Design and synthesis of dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma and delta agonists as novel euglycemic agents with a reduced weight gain profile.

The design and synthesis of the dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ( PPAR) gamma/delta agonist (R)-3-{4-[3-(4-chloro-2-phenoxyphenoxy)-butoxy]-2-ethyl-phenyl}-propionic acid (20) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and associated dyslipidemia is described. The compound possesses a potent dual hPPAR gamma/delta agonist profile (IC50 = 19 nM/4 nM; EC50 = 102 nM/6 nM for hPPAR gamma and hPPAR delta, respectively). In preclinical models, the compound improves insulin sensitivity and reverses diabetic hyperglycemia with less weight gain at a given level of glucose control relative to rosiglitazone.