Screening of the Merck sample collection identified compound 1 as a weakly potent GPR119 agonist (hEC(50)=3600 nM). Dual termini optimization of 1 led to compound 36 having improved potency, selectivity, and formulation profile, however, modest physical properties (PP) hindered its utility. Design of a new core containing a cyclopropyl restriction yielded further PP improvements and when combined with the termini SAR optimizations yielded a potent and highly selective agonist suitable for further preclinical development (58).
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