Neuropeptide regulating appetite may help in developing new diabetes treatments. The neuropeptide called melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) plays a role in the growth of insulin-producing beta cells and the secretion of insulin. MCH is found in the brain and regulates energy balance and appetite.

A previous study conducted at Joslin found an association between high levels of MCH and an increase in the number of beta cells in mice. When we eat food, our body needs more insulin. When MCH induces appetite, it simultaneously increased insulin secretion. This calls upon the beta cells and enhances their growth. If the proteins that mediate the growth mechanism can be identified, it could lead to the development of new drugs that would enhance beta cell growth to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Sounds great! However, this sounds similar to the function of SYMLIN, which is the synthetic form of amylin. Amylin is a hormone secreted by beta cells at the same time as insulin. If you've heard of Byetta - you've heard of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, the makers of SYMLIN. The researchers at Joslin and the guys at Amylin should get together and do lunch. They might have a lot to discuss between this research and the development of yet another biotechnological blockbuster drug.