We report our discovery of a novel series of potent and selective dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors. Starting from a lead identified by scaffold-hopping approach, our discovery and development efforts were focused on exploring structure-activity relationships, optimizing pharmacokinetic profile, improving in vitro and in vivo efficacy, and evaluating safety profile. The selected candidate, Imigliptin, is now undergoing clinical trial.
Keywords: Diabetes; OGTT; dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4); imigliptin; inhibitor; pyridinylimidazolone; scaffold-hopping.