To determine the extent to which the effects of treatment with LAF237 100 mg QD on glucagon secretion are mediated by Glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy subjects.

Design:

This two center study employs a double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy volunteers with comparable age, gender and BMI distribution. Subjects (40 patients and 40 healthy volunteers, referred to as subjects in remaining part of the document) will be randomized to 100 mg LAF 237 QD or placebo for two 10-day treatment periods in a cross-over design. Thirty two (32) efficacy evaluable patients are required to complete the study.

Each subjects will participate in an approximate 14-day screening period, a 2-week wash-out period from metformin, a 1-day baseline period and a 10-day treatment period followed by a 2-4 week wash-out period and a second treatment period. An end of study evaluation will be conducted following the completion of the second treatment period or in the event of early withdrawal or termination of the patient.

At screening, subjects meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria will begin a weight maintenance diet containing 50% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 20% fat. Patients will receive guidance on dietary maintenance at screening and will stay on this diet from screening to the end of study evaluation. Following the screening visit, enrolled patients will start a 2 week drug wash-out period where oral hypoglycemic medication will be discontinued.

During the drug wash-out period, all patients will monitor their glucose levels two times a day (prior to breakfast and dinner) using a glucometer. Additionally, at one week intervals, patients will perform a seven point blood glucose test, where glucose measurements will be made prior to and two hours after each meal, and prior to bed. Weekly telephone calls will be made to each patient, where the results of these glucose tests will be recorded. Patients will be discontinued from the study during the wash-out period if fasting glucose levels exceed 200 mg/dl on any two consecutive measurements.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with either diet/exercise or metformin
• HbA1c 6.5 - 9.0 %
• Fasting plasma glucose 6.0 - 11.0 mmol/l
• Body-mass-index 20.0 - 35.0 kg/m²
• Healthy controls were required to have a normal oral glucose tolerance test (75g) and no first-degree relatives with type 2 diabetes nor a personal history of gestational diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant heart, kidney (serum creatinine ≤ 123 µmol/l in woman and ≤ 132 µmol/l in men), liver (transaminases < 2fold upper limit of normal) and gastrointestinal disease