Metabolic diseases

Drug development in diabetes and other metabolic diseases

Scotland has a world-class reputation for metabolic diseases research, with some of the finest diabetes researchers in the world based at the University of Dundee, while both Glasgow and Edinburgh universities are also involved in diabetes research.

In addition, a number of companies active in drug development in Scotland focus on treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Metabolic diseases and diabetes expertise in Scotland

Dundee is the primary centre of excellence for diabetes research in Scotland, making it the ideal location to conduct clinical trials.

Data registers including those for diabetes, renal disease, stroke, child health, mental health have grown from local initiatives into national databases, with obvious benefits for researchers.

Researchers at the University of Dundee are involved in maintaining the DARTS database (Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland) database. This unique project gathers data from some 150,000 diabetics across Scotland and information on diabetes care is linked to health records for studies of drug safety, epidemiology and patient management.

Some of the key researchers carrying out world-leading research into diabetes and other metabolic diseases in Scotland include: 

  • Professor Grahame Hardie – University of Dundee
  • Professor Brian Frier – University of Edinburgh 
  • Professor Sir Philip Cohen – University of Dundee
  • Professor Graeme Milligan – University of Glasgow
  • Professor Andrew Morris – University of Dundee
  • Professor Dario Alessi – University of Dundee
  • Professor Ian Megson – University of the Highlands and Islands

Universities and companies specialising in metabolic disease and diabetes in Scotland

The four Scottish universities carrying out research into diabetes and other metabolic diseases are: 

Huge strides continue to be made in Scotland towards the better understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity.

Discover how we can help your company invest in Scotland’s thriving diabetes/metabolic diseases drug development sector