Swansea University scientists propose that canagliflozin, a drug conventionally used for diabetes, could be repurposed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by manipulating T-cell activation. The drug’s well-documented safety profile provides an expedited path to its clinical implementation.
A team from Swansea University has unearthed the possible therapeutic uses of canagliflozin for autoimmune disorders beyond its usual use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The comprehensive study led by the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science at the University revealed that canagliflozin, commonly known as Invokana, could be instrumental in fighting autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This can be attributed to the drug’s ability to target T-cells, a crucial component of the immune system.
Although primarily used to regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, an unforeseen potential of canagliflozin emerged during the research related to the human immune system.
Previous studies suggest that targeting the metabolism of T-cells in autoimmune diseases may yield therapeutic advantages. T-cells, a type of white blood cell, help the body counter infections and diseases. However, in autoimmune diseases, T-cells are found to mistakenly attack healthy tissues.
Funded by the Medical Research Council and published in the Cell Metabolism journal, the new research discovered that canagliflozin decreases T-cell activation, suggesting a potential repurposing of the drug to treat T-cell-driven autoimmunity.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Nick Jones, commented, “Our results carry weight as they lay the groundwork for the clinical utilization of canagliflozin to treat certain autoimmune conditions. Given its wide usage and recognized safety profile, this drug may potentially reach clinical trials faster than newly developed drugs and promptly provide benefits to patients suffering from autoimmune disorders.”
Ben Jenkins, a postdoctoral researcher at Swansea and the study’s primary author, added: “Unveiling novel applications for drugs currently used in different disease contexts is a promising field of research. Considering that our research primarily focuses on immune cell metabolism, we are optimistic that our findings could benefit a broad spectrum of conditions.”
The research team is optimistic about the prospect of canagliflozin undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders in the future.
Citation: “Canagliflozin impairs T cell effector function via metabolic suppression in autoimmunity” by Benjamin J. Jenkins, Julianna Blagih, Fernando M. Ponce-Garcia, Mary Canavan, Nancy Gudgeon, Simon Eastham, David Hill, Megan M. Hanlon, Eric H. Ma, Emma L. Bishop, April Rees, James G. Cronin, Elizabeth C. Jury, Sarah K. Dimeloe, Douglas J. Veale, Catherine A. Thornton, Karen H. Vousden, David K. Finlay, Ursula Fearon, Gareth W. Jones and Nicholas Jones, 24 May 2023, Cell Metabolism.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.05.001
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Canagliflozin Autoimmune Treatment
What drug is being studied for potential use in treating autoimmune disorders?
The drug being studied is canagliflozin, a medication currently used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Who conducted the research on canagliflozin’s potential new use?
The research was conducted by a team of scientists from Swansea University.
How does canagliflozin potentially help with autoimmune disorders?
Canagliflozin potentially helps with autoimmune disorders by dampening T-cell activation. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that can mistakenly attack healthy tissues in autoimmune conditions.
Why is it significant that canagliflozin already has an established safety profile?
Since canagliflozin is already widely used for type 2 diabetes and has a known safety profile, it could potentially reach clinical trials faster than newly developed drugs.
What autoimmune disorders could potentially be treated with canagliflozin?
The research suggests that autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus could potentially be treated with canagliflozin.
What are the next steps for the research?
The researchers hope that canagliflozin will be taken forward for clinical trials to confirm its efficacy in treating certain autoimmune disorders.
More about Canagliflozin Autoimmune Treatment
- Canagliflozin – Wikipedia
- Autoimmune Disorders: MedlinePlus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mayo Clinic
- T Cells and the Immune System: British Society for Immunology
- Type 2 Diabetes: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Swansea University Research
5 comments
kinda cool how they can repurpose a drug like this. it’s like getting a 2-for-1 deal!
wow! never thought my diabetes med could help with arthritis too. science really does miracles sometimes.
Interesting stuff! i always find it amazing how one drug can have so many uses. Hope this can make life easier for folks with autoimmune disorders.
Is it just me, or does it seem like every other day there’s a new ‘miracle cure’ for something? Dont get me wrong, its amazing if it works. just feels like hype sometimes.
Never knew my diabetes medication could do more than just control my blood sugar. this is pretty amazing if its true. fingers crossed the trials go well.