Small molecule glucagon receptor antagonists: a patent review (2011 - 2014).

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon receptor antagonists (GCGRAs) have been an area of ongoing research in the pharmaceutical industry for more than two decades. Blocking the action of the glucagon peptide leads to repression of hepatic glucose production and reduced blood glucose. Small molecule GCGRAs continue to be pursued as a potential new treatment for diabetes. AREAS COVERED: The current review summarizes small molecule GCGRA patents and patent applications that first appeared during 2011 - 2014. The search term 'glucagon receptor' was used to find patents of the desired type. EXPERT OPINION: Several companies have brought forward GCGRAs into human clinical trials with the most advanced to date being in Phase II. This field is mature and the number of patents has been decreasing in the last few years.