Diabetic heart disease has three main characteristics: (i) more severe coronary artery disease at a younger age; (ii) left ventricular dysfunction; and (iii) a disproportionate increase in left ventricular mass. Diabetic heart disease is under-reported on death certificates, both as a condition and as a cause of death.

Until now, the mechanisms by which high blood sugar or associated metabolic abnormalities lead to or cause heart disease have remained obscure. Based on Protemix studies, the company believes that accumulation of excess copper plays a significant role in the mechanism through which diabetes damages the heart and vasculature. The company has demonstrated that selective copper chelation can successfully treat left ventricular disease in diabetes. This approach is expected to be helpful in other conditions associated with lesser degrees of hyperglycemia (for example, atherosclerosis, obesity and normal aging). Protemix has a comprehensive patent portfolio with issued patents in the United States directed to methods for treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and diabetic complications by copper chelation.