Discovery of LY3104607: A Potent and Selective G Protein-Coupled Receptor 40 (GPR40) Agonist with Optimized Pharmacokinetic Properties to Support Once Daily Oral Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

J Med Chem. 2018 Feb 8;61(3):934-945. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01411. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

Abstract

As a part of our program to identify potent GPR40 agonists capable of being dosed orally once daily in humans, we incorporated fused heterocycles into our recently disclosed spiropiperidine and tetrahydroquinoline acid derivatives 1, 2, and 3 with the intention of lowering clearance and improving the maximum absorbable dose (Dabs). Hypothesis-driven structural modifications focused on moving away from the zwitterion-like structure. and mitigating the N-dealkylation and O-dealkylation issues led to triazolopyridine acid derivatives with unique pharmacology and superior pharmacokinetic properties. Compound 4 (LY3104607) demonstrated functional potency and glucose-dependent insulin secretion (GDIS) in primary islets from rats. Potent, efficacious, and durable dose-dependent reductions in glucose levels were seen during glucose tolerance test (GTT) studies. Low clearance, volume of distribution, and high oral bioavailability were observed in all species. The combination of enhanced pharmacology and pharmacokinetic properties supported further development of this compound as a potential glucose-lowering drug candidate.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Pyridines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridines / chemical synthesis
  • Pyridines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / administration & dosage
  • Triazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Triazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Triazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • FFAR1 protein, human
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Pyridines
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Triazoles