Optimization of GPR40 Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes
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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
Jiwen Jim Liu1, Yingcai Wang1, Zhihua Ma1
1Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Metabolic Disorders, Translational Sciences, Amgen Inc. , 1120 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States.
Abstract:
GPR40 (FFA1 and FFAR1) has gained significant interest as a target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. TAK-875 (1), a GPR40 agonist, lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lowered both postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients in phase II clinical trials. We optimized phenylpropanoic acid derivatives as GPR40 agonists and identified AMG 837 (2) as a clinical candidate. Here we report our efforts in searching for structurally distinct back-ups for AMG 837. These efforts led to the identification of more polar GPR40 agonists, such as AM-4668 (10), that have improved potency, excellent pharmacokinetic properties across species, and minimum central nervous system (CNS) penetration.
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