Abstract 1820-P is entitled "Inhibition of Interleukin-1 beta with the Monoclonal Antibody XOMA 052 Reveals the Differential Sensitivities of Glycemic and Pancreatic Function Parameters to Chronic Inflammation." The poster details an extended pharmacological study of XOMA 052 in the diet-induced obesity mouse model. This study examined different doses of XOMA 052 and suggests that pancreatic function parameters in the diet-induced obesity model may be differentially sensitive to locally available IL-1 beta.

The final abstract 2467-PO, accepted as published-only, is entitled "The Role of Interleukin-1 beta in Insulin Resistance." Examined in the abstract were in vitro models that support the hypothesis that IL-1 beta interferes with normal insulin signaling and that XOMA 052 may prevent this interference.

Previously, XOMA has reported results showing  that mice treated with XOMA 052 both prophylactically and therapeutically experienced improvement in measures associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease including reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, improvement in glucose control, improved beta-cell survival and function, and a reduction in total cholesterol without reduction in high density lipoprotein. Each of these parameters is an important goal for the management of Type 2 diabetes, and well-controlled blood glucose levels and reductions in lipid levels can help minimize the risk of long-term consequences associated with diabetes.