Discovery of TUG-770: A Highly Potent Free Fatty Acid Receptor 1 (FFA1/GPR40) Agonist for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

ACS Med Chem Lett. 2013 May 9;4(5):441-445. doi: 10.1021/ml4000673. Epub 2013 Apr 8.

Abstract

Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1 or GPR40) enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and currently attracts high interest as a new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We here report the discovery of a highly potent FFA1 agonist with favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The compound efficiently normalizes glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice, an effect that is fully sustained after 29 days of chronic dosing.

Keywords: FFA1 agonist; GPR40 agonist; TUG-770; Type 2 diabetes; free fatty acid receptor; insulin secretagogue.