PEPTIDES A USAGE MEDICAMENTEUX

The use is claimed of a peptide of formula (I), or its salts, as an insulin releasing agent. His-Ser-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr- Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Lys -Tyr-Len-Asp-Ser-Arg -Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-R (I) (where R is OH or a peptide chain of formula (II) or (III) or a chain (or amino acid) of formula (II) or (III) from which one or more amino acid(s) have been omitted). -Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu (II) -Met-Asn-Thr (III)S Pref. (I) are identical with the sequence of a fragment of glucagon, e.g. glucagon-(1-21), -(1-23), -(1-25) or -(1-26) and des (22-26)glucagon. In tests, in vitro and in vivo, glucagon -(1-21), -(1-26) and des (22-26) glucagon release insulin in hyperglycaemia but not in normoglycaemia or hypoglycaemia (c.f. glucagon). Since it has no glycogenolytic or glyconeogenetic effects, glucagon -(1-21) may be used in the treatment of diabetics with remaining beta-all function. Other (I) are expected to behave similarly. (I) are known spasmolytics and gastric antisecretones. These properties may be of use in the treatment of type 2 diabetics.