This endocrinology overview highlights major developments, including SMOC1’s impact on T2D, DEKA’s SmartFusion acquisition, icovamenib glycemic benefits, and virtual care advancements shaping the field.
🧬 SMOC1 drives islet beta→alpha shift in T2D, Nature Communications report [1] [US • 07 Oct 2025]
Key point: Higher SMOC1 expression linked to beta-cell transdifferentiation toward alpha cells in T2D, with reduced insulin and higher glucagon (endpoint not specified).
Context: City of Hope–led team profiled islet cells from 26 donors, identified SMOC1 among genes tied to the transition. Early-stage discovery biology.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
🤝 DEKA acquires Diatech Diabetes assets and IP (SmartFusion) [2] [US • 07 Oct 2025]
Key point: DEKA obtained Diatech’s infusion-monitoring technology and hired select leadership to bolster insulin delivery safety.
Context: SmartFusion algorithm detects infusion failures and predicts site issues for insulin pumps, aligning with DEKA’s Sequel twiist ecosystem.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
Read more: https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/deka-acquires-assets-ip-diatech-diabetes/
🦴 Parathyroidectomy tied to lower incident diabetes in PHPT cohort [3] [07 Oct 2025]
Key point: Surgery associated with reduced diabetes risk vs nonsurgical management in classic PHPT (retrospective; HR 0.68).
Context: Hong Kong Hospital Authority data, 3,135 adults, 2006–2023, multiple sensitivity analyses; generalizability limits noted.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
🔬 Icovamenib (menin inhibitor) shows glycemic benefit in T2D mid-stage study [4] [07 Oct 2025]
Key point: Company reports A1c reductions, including in GLP-1 nonresponders, with sustained effect post-treatment in a year-long study.
Context: Icovamenib partially blocks menin; trials faced a 2024 FDA hold for liver toxicity concerns, later lifted with protocol changes.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
💊 Isturisa (osilodrostat) managed cyclic Cushing’s when surgery not feasible [5] [US • 10 Oct 2025]
Key point: Case report from UCLA shows symptom and cortisol improvement within weeks, later paused due to adrenal insufficiency with remission maintained.
Context: 68-year-old man with cyclic hypercortisolism; pituitary source suspected but not localized on MRI.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
🧪 Testosterone therapy linked to renal and CV benefits in men with diabetes, hypogonadism [6] [09 Oct 2025]
Key point: Treated men had lower risks of AKI (HR 0.93), kidney failure (HR 0.81), CV events, and all-cause mortality vs matched controls.
Context: Retrospective study of 26,027 treated vs 26,027 untreated; median follow-up 3.9 years; confounding and dosing data limits noted.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
Read more: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/testosterone-protects-renal-health-men-diabetes-2025a1000qwz
🩺 HealthTap to provide virtual diabetes care via LillyDirect [7] [US • 08 Oct 2025]
Key point: HealthTap joins Eli Lilly’s LillyDirect to offer primary-care–led virtual diabetes management across the U.S.
Context: Service includes medication management, labs, and preventive care in a longitudinal model amid high GLP-1 demand.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.
🧯 GPX3 highlighted as placental ferroptosis biomarker in GDM [8] [10 Oct 2025]
Key point: Bioinformatics plus clinical samples identify GPX3 as a key marker of ferroptosis in GDM placentas.
Context: Differential GPX3 expression between GDM and controls suggests early-detection potential, mechanisms need clarification.
Implication: Could inform practice and payer discussions; interpretation depends on study design and confounding control.
Read more: https://bioengineer.org/gpx3-crucial-biomarker-for-placental-ferroptosis-in-gdm/
Why it matters
- Islet-cell plasticity targets like SMOC1 could reshape T2D therapy beyond incretins.
- Smarter infusion monitoring may reduce pump-related hyperglycemia, improving outcomes.
- Surgical management of PHPT may confer metabolic benefits, not just calcium control.
- Menin inhibition offers a potentially disease-modifying angle in T2D if safety and durability hold.
- Virtual care integrations with pharma platforms can expand access amid GLP-1 supply and adherence challenges.
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FAQ
What is SMOC1’s role in T2D progression?
SMOC1 is associated with beta-cell transdifferentiation toward alpha cells in T2D, potentially driving reduced insulin and increased glucagon [1]. This is early discovery work without clinical endpoints specified.
How does DEKA’s acquisition of Diatech change insulin pump safety?
DEKA adds SmartFusion, an algorithm to detect infusion failures and predict site issues, complementing its Sequel twiist AID platform [2]. This may improve reliability but requires integration and validation.
Does parathyroidectomy prevent diabetes in PHPT?
A large retrospective cohort links surgery to lower incident diabetes versus nonsurgical care [3]. Causality is not proven, and generalizability is limited to the studied population.
What distinguishes icovamenib from GLP-1s?
Icovamenib targets menin, aiming to restore endogenous insulin secretion. Company-reported mid-stage data show A1c reductions, including in GLP-1 nonresponders, with signals of durability post-therapy [4]. Full peer-reviewed results and safety details are needed.
Is testosterone therapy renoprotective in men with diabetes?
In a matched retrospective study, testosterone therapy was associated with lower AKI, kidney failure, CV events, and mortality [6]. Residual confounding and lack of dosing data temper interpretation.
What will HealthTap add to LillyDirect?
Virtual PCP access for diabetes management, including medication management and labs, targeting nationwide reach in the U.S. [7]. This may streamline initiation and continuity of care.
Entities / Keywords
SMOC1; islet transdifferentiation; City of Hope; DEKA; Diatech Diabetes; SmartFusion; Sequel twiist; primary hyperparathyroidism; parathyroidectomy; icovamenib, menin inhibitor, Biomea Fusion; Isturisa, osilodrostat, cyclic Cushing’s; testosterone therapy, hypogonadism; AKI, kidney failure; LillyDirect, HealthTap; GPX3; ferroptosis; GDM.
References
2. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/deka-acquires-assets-ip-diatech-diabetes/
6. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/testosterone-protects-renal-health-men-diabetes-2025a1000qwz
8. https://bioengineer.org/gpx3-crucial-biomarker-for-placental-ferroptosis-in-gdm/