(R)-ACX is a novel sufonylurea compound with potent, quick and short-lasting hypoglycemic activity

We investigated the mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of (R)-4-(1-acetoxyethyl)-N-(cyclohexylcarbamoyl)benzene-sulfonamide [(R)-acetoxyhexamide; (R)-ACX], a new sulfonylurea compound. (R)-ACX potently stimulated the release of insulin from cultured pancreatic beta-cells (HIT T15 cells), established from hamster islet cells SV40-transformed. When (R)-ACX was orally administered to fasted rats, it decreased the plasma glucose level in a dose-dependent manner. The hypoglycemic effect of (R)-ACX was quick and short lasting, as compared to that of acetohexamide and glibenclamide. The quick and short-lasting hypoglycemic effect of (R)-ACX was thought likely to result from rapid absorption of (R)-ACX and rapid elimination of (R)-ACX and its metabolite, (R)-hydroxyhexamide. Furthermore, (R)-ACX was found to suppress the increase of blood glucose level due to starch loading in fasted mice. (R)-ACX may be useful in the control of postprandial hyperglycemia to patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetic mellitus.