Bromocriptine--unique formulation of a dopamine agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
There is a large unmet need for new therapies to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) which reduce fasting and postprandial glucose without increasing insulin levels and which are not associated with weight gain or hypoglycemia. The quick-release formulation of bromocriptine (bromocriptine-QR; Cycloset) represents such a therapy.


METHODS
Bromocriptine-QR's proposed mechanism of action, unique formulation and clinical efficacy and safety will be discussed. A Medline search was conducted using the terms: bromocriptine quick-release, circadian rhythms, treatment type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction (years 1985 - 2009).


RESULTS
The reader will gain an understanding of the importance of the brain as a target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition the safety, efficacy and indication for use of a first-in-class dopamine agonist as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Bromocriptine-QR is indicated to be used alone or in conjunction with all available treatments for type 2 diabetes. Although the mechanism of action is not fully understood, bromocriptine-QR's action points to a central target in the brain (hypothalamus) which may explain the observed peripheral improvements in metabolic parameters.
Scranton
Richard
R
VeroScience LLC, 1334 Main Road, Tiverton, RI 02878, USA. richard_scranton@veroscience.com
Cincotta
Anthony
A
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019518:Postprandial Period; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain
D001786:Blood Glucose; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D001971:Bromocriptine