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What is Menin?
Menin is a central player in the human cell that brings other proteins together to regulate the expression of genes that are key to cell growth, cell differentiation or cell aging. Menin is a key scaffold protein that functionally crosstalks with various partners to regulate gene expression (also known as gene “transcription”) and interplay with multiple signaling pathways. In short, menin is an important transcriptional regulator. It also impacts major processes such as cell cycle control, cell death (also referred to as cell “apoptosis”) and DNA damage repair. The MEN 1 gene and its associated protein, menin, were identified and named in 1997 by two research groups at the National Institutes of Health in the US and the European MEN1 Consortium (Chandrasekharappa et al. 1997)
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, or Diabetes Mellitus, is characterized by a reduced ability to produce insulin (“insulin deficiency”) and/or by an inability of the body to respond correctly to insulin (“insulin resistance”) and affects more than 38 million people in the US (Source: CDC). Diabetes is grouped into a few clinical categories based on the cause or timing of the diagnosis according to the latest guidance from the American Diabetes Association. Accounting for approximately 2 million diagnosed patients in the US, type 1 diabetes is due to autoimmune beta-cell destruction (a situation in which the immune system malfunctions, incorrectly recognizing the beta cells as being foreign to the body and killing them), and usually leads to an absolute insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in around 36.4 million people in the US and is due to a progressive loss of adequate beta-cell insulin secretion frequently in the presence of insulin resistance.
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is when the body's cells don't respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Normally, insulin helps sugar (glucose) from the food we eat move into our cells to be used for energy. When someone has insulin resistance, their cells can't use insulin effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Think of it like this: insulin is a key that opens the door to the cells, letting glucose in. With insulin resistance, the key doesn't work well, and the door doesn't open easily. As a result, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter the cells. Over time, this can lead to higher insulin levels in the blood and eventually to type 2 diabetes if the body can't produce enough insulin to keep up.
What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels drop too low, usually below 70 mg/dL. It can cause symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, and fainting. It's often a concern for people with diabetes who use insulin or some other medications that lower blood sugar. Eating or drinking something sugary can quickly help raise blood sugar levels and relieve symptoms.
What are Beta Cells?
Beta cells are specialized cells located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. Their primary function is to produce and secrete insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin helps glucose enter cells throughout the body such as muscle and liver cells to be used for energy or stored for future use. Proper functioning of beta cells is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar levels, and their dysfunction can lead to conditions like diabetes.
What is the difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both chronic conditions that affect the way the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), but they have different causes and characteristics. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, requiring individuals to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels. It typically develops in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is primarily related to insufficient insulin production due to a gradual loss in functional beta cells caused by metabolic toxicity, and/or by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond properly to the insulin that is produced. Over time, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. This type of diabetes is often associated with older age, obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetics. Management typically includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
Who invented BMF 219?
BMF-219 was internally designed and developed by a group of chemists led by our Chief, Thomas Butler, at Biomea Fusion. We currently leverage our Fusion platform at the Biomea Fusion Innovation Center to continue this discovery and development effort for future clinical candidates.
How long have you guys (Tom and Ramses) been working together?
Tom and Ramses started working together in June of 2013, when Tom joined Pharmacyclics. They later ran an investment fund together called Point Sur Investors. The majority of the team at Biomea Fusion have been working together in the past whether at Gilead, Pharmacyclics, Solara or Access dating back to the late 90’s.
Why is the share price going down ...after the IPO (ahhh) .... are things not going well?
I cannot comment on the share price, as you may know. Things are actually going really well! We cleared the IND and are now working on initiating our first clinical study. We also kicked off several preclinical programs which explore the potential benefits of irreversible binding in known cancer targets and lots more. Exciting.