ZT-01

ZT-01 is a first-in-class, once-daily peptide drug that acts as a selective somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) antagonist. It is being developed to restore glucagon secretion and prevent hypoglycemia in people with insulin-dependent diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1D). In T1D and insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, elevated pancreatic somatostatin suppresses glucagon release from α-cells, impairing the body’s natural counter-regulatory response to low blood glucose. By antagonizing SSTR2 on pancreatic α-cells, ZT-01 restores the ability to secrete glucagon during hypoglycemic episodes. Preclinical and early clinical studies have shown that ZT-01 significantly increases glucagon release and reduces both the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia compared to placebo or earlier SSTR2 antagonists. The drug is currently in Phase II clinical trials for prevention of nocturnal hypoglycemia in T1D patients[1][4][5][6][7][9].