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.

We claim:  
     
       1. A method of treating diabetes which method comprises administering an effective amount of GLP-1(7-36)amide, GLP-1(7-37), or a fragment thereof which retains GLP-1(7-37)activity, to a patient in need of such a treatment in a regimen which additionally comprises treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent, wherein said hypoglycaemic agent is characterized as acting on an ATP-dependent potassium channel. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim  1  in which GLP-1(7-37) or GLP-1(7-36)amide is administered. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim  1  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a blocker of the ATP-dependent potassium channel on β-cells. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim  1  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a sulfonylurea. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim  1  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is (S)-(+)-2-ethoxy-4-[2-[[3-methyl-1-[2-(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]benzoic acid. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim  1  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a biguanide. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim  6  in which the oral hypoglycaemic is metformin. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim  2  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a blocker of the ATP-dependent potassium channel on β-cells. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim  2  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a sulfonylurea. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim  2  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is (S)-(+)-2-ethoxy-4-[2-[[3-methyl-1-[2-(1-piperidinyl)phenyl]butyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]benzoic acid. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim  2  in which the oral hypoglycaemic agent is a biguanide. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim  11  in which the oral hypoglycaemic is metformin. 
     
     
       13. A method of treating diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of 
       ( i )  GLP -   1   (   7   -   36   ) amide, GLP -   1   (   7   -   37   ) , or a fragment thereof which retains GLP -   1   (   7   -   37   )  activity, and    
       ( ii )  a sulfonylurea,    
         to a human patient in need thereof, wherein the patient exhibits sulfonylurea - insensitivity.