Scientists study lizard spit for diabetics

British scientists hope to have a treatment for adult-onset diabetes that uses a hormone found in a poisonous lizard ready for market in 2006.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham said Monday exenatide, a drug that mimics a hormone found in the spit of the Arizona gila monster, is being investigated in the treatment of patients with type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes.

Research shows that exenatide could boost the so-called beta cells responsible for insulin production.

Dr. Anthony Barnett said failure of the beta cells in the pancreas is one of the major causes of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 85 percent of all diabetes cases in developed countries.

The active chemical in exenatide, given twice daily by injection, is similar to a hormone which is found in human stomachs and stimulates the pancreas to create insulin. However, the human form is not strong enough to provide the stimulation required for diabetes sufferers.

In the Gila Monster's saliva, however, the hormone is much stronger and longer lasting, and so the effect is to boost insulin production.

Barnett hopes to have the product licensed and on market in 18 months.

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