Use of a peptide

Abstract

The invention employs GLP-1 (7-37), GLP-1(7-36)amide, and certain related compounds in combination with an oral hypoglycaemic agent for treating diabetes mellitus.

1 . Use of GLP-1(7-37), GLP-1(7-36)amide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable peptide containing a fragment of the GLP-1(7-37) sequence, or an analogue or a functional derivative of such a peptide for the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of diabetes in a regimen which additionally comprises treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent.  
     
     
         2 . Use according to  claim 1  of GLP-1(7-37) or GLP-1 (7-36)amide.  
     
     
         3 . Use according to  claim 1  or  2  when the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a blocker of the ATP-dependent potassium channel on β-cells.  
     
     
         4 . Use according to  claim 1  or  2  when the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a sulfonylurea.  
     
     
         5 . Use according to  claim 1  or  2  when the oral hypoglycaemic agent is (S)-(+)-2-ethoxy-4-[2-[[3-methyl-1-[2-(-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]benzoic acid.  
     
     
         6 . Use according to  claim 1  or  2  when the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a biguanide.  
     
     
         7 . Use according to  claim 6  when the oral hypoglycaemic agent is metformin.  
     
     
         8 . A method of treating diabetes which method comprises administering an effective amount of GLP-1(7-37), GLP-1(7-36)amide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable peptide containing a fragment of the GLP-1(7-37) sequence, or an analogue or a functional derivative of such a peptide to a patient in need of such a treatment in a regimen which additionally comprises treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent.