Pharmacological Characterization of YM543, a Newly Synthesized, Orally Active SGLT2 Selective Inhibitor

Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 is a specifically expressed transporter in the kidney that plays an important role in renal glucose reabsorption, and its inhibition may present a novel therapeutic strategy for treating diabetes. Here, we pharmacologically characterized YM543, a newly synthesized SGLT2 selective inhibitor to test this theory.

In vitro studies revealed that YM543 potently and selectively inhibited mouse and human SGLT2 activities at nanomolar ranges. In vivo single oral administration of YM543 dose-dependently and significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance with a concomitant increase in urinary glucose excretion in KK/A^y type 2 diabetic mice, effects that were sustained even after 12 h. Repeated once-daily oral administration of YM543 for 5 weeks significantly reduced hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice. In addition, combination treatment of YM543 with rosiglitazone or metformin additively improved diabetic symptoms. In contrast, YM543 did not affect normoglycemia at pharmacological doses in normal mice.

Results from the present study suggest that YM543 is an orally active SGLT2 selective inhibitor which reduces hyperglycemia with a concomitant increase in urinary glucose excretion, indicating its promise as an effective treatment against type 2 diabetes.