Imeglimin: A Potential New Multi-Target Drug for Type 2 Diabetes

Imeglimin is a novel agent currently in development to treat type 2 diabetes. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that it has the potential to impact the three main pathophysiologic components of type 2 diabetes: impaired glucose uptake by muscle tissue, excess hepatic gluconeogenesis, and increased beta-cell apoptosis. Preliminary human studies that have been published within the last 2 years demonstrate that imeglimin improves hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose similarly when compared with metformin and with sitagliptin. There has also been a low incidence of adverse effects, especially hypoglycemia, reported in these early human studies. Currently, imeglimin is lacking long-term evidence to demonstrate any effects on its cardiovascular safety, and data on morbidity and mortality, though some studies are currently in progress. There is great potential for imeglimin, if FDA approved, to play a significant role in the type 2 diabetes management algorithm.