Using human genetics to discover new treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity
Why do some people maintain healthy blood sugar levels and energy balance more readily than others? At Aracea Therapeutics, we study natural differences in human genes to understand the biology behind that question. Our goal is to develop lasting treatments for people living with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic diseases.
Advanced Analysis
Genes to Medicine
Patient-Focused Therapy
Discovering how genes shape metabolism
We use human genetics and functional genomics to study how the body expends energy and regulates blood sugar. We look for naturally occurring genetic differences associated with healthy glucose control, then use genetic screens to investigate which genes contribute to those effects. This work helps us identify biological processes that a treatment could target.
From genes to medicines
Once we identify a promising target, we investigate how a therapy might act on it. The biology guides our choice of approach. We explore gene therapy, antisense therapy, genome regulation, and cell therapy to find ways to influence the processes that matter for metabolic health.
One focus of our research is brown fat, a tissue that uses glucose and fatty acids to generate heat. We’re investigating whether increasing brown fat activity could help the body expend more energy and improve blood sugar control.
Explore the science of brown fat
Working toward lasting metabolic health
In 2023, an estimated 40.1 million people in the United States were living with diabetes. The CDC also estimates that 115.2 million U.S. adults have prediabetes. CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report
For people living with metabolic disease, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can be a daily challenge. Our research is still at an early stage. We’re working to identify protective mechanisms that could form the basis of treatments with lasting benefits.