Yale Life Science Pitchfest + BioCT Holiday Party 2025
12/04/2025
Developing Catalytically Inactive CELA2A as a First-in-Class Therapy for Diabetes
We are developing a catalytically inactive analog of human CELA2A, a protein encoded by a diabetes gene that naturally stimulates insulin secretion. Unlike current glucose-lowering agents, inactive CELA2A directly promotes β-cell regeneration and suppresses inflammation, targeting the root cause of diabetes. Our preclinical data show superior insulinotropic potency, preservation of islet structure, and safety in animal models. With Blavatnik support, we aim to produce GMP-grade CELA2A analogs and test efficacy in diabetic pigs. This approach represents a first-in-class, disease-modifying biologic that could transform diabetes care and reduce the burden of insulin dependence.