GPR119 agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes, already affecting millions of people worldwide, with cases expected to rise significantly in the future. Given some of the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects of current anti-diabetic therapies, which include hypoglycaemia, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain and edema, there is ongoing research to find more promising targets that can effectively reduce blood glucose. One target that has gained considerable interest is GPR119, a G-protein coupled receptor. Agonists of this receptor have been shown to increase both glucose –dependent insulin release and incretin release (which, in turn, causes insulin release). Jones and colleagues review currently known chemical GPR119 agonists focusing on the chemical structure of the compounds and discuss their effects in animal models of diabetes and early clinical trials. The authors claim GPR119 agonists could be used effectively with DPP-IV inhibitors to control glucose levels if their actions can be repeated in human clinical trials.