Low-cost, heat-stable GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists produced in maize for diabetes and obesity
Official title: Production in maize of low-cost heat stable forms of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists for treatment of diabetes and obesity
Funded at Applied Biotechnology Institute · NIH-11405484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to make affordable, heat-stable versions of diabetes and obesity medicines using corn plants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Biotechnology Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Luis Obispo, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $288,221 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK148203-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity who may benefit from GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies and live in settings with limited access to high-cost treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals whose conditions do not primarily involve diabetes or obesity or who do not require incretin-based therapies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant describes creating a maize-based system to produce GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, which can help manage blood sugar and appetite. The work focuses on making the production process inexpensive and scalable so more patients can access these therapies. Researchers will develop transgenic maize to express recombinant proteins and address stability and delivery considerations in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower costs and improve access to key diabetes and obesity medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has demonstrated feasible plant-based production of therapeutic proteins, with some products achieving commercialization.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Biotechnology Institute
San Luis Obispo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howard, John a. — Applied Biotechnology Institute
- Study coordinator: Howard, John a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.