GPR40 Activator and DPP-4 Inhibitor Combination for Diabetes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for diabetes, such as insulin, insulin-secretagogues, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activators, often lead to low blood sugar, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, and reduced drug efficacy over time, necessitating a more effective approach for managing metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical composition combining a novel 3-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)hex-4-ynoic acid derivative with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitors, sulfonylurea-based, thiazolidinedione (TZD)-based, or sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to enhance blood glucose lowering effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If insulin or insulin-secretagogue is used to treat diabetes, then blood glucose control is improved, but low blood sugar and weight gain occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose controlVSAvoidlow blood sugar and weight gain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the treatment approach by combining a GPR40 activator (which stimulates insulin secretion only in response to glucose) with a DPP-4 inhibitor (which preserves endogenous incretin levels). This segmented mechanism avoids the uncontrolled insulin secretion that causes hypoglycemia and weight gain with traditional insulin therapy, while maintaining effective blood glucose control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the therapeutic parameter from direct insulin administration to GPR40 receptor activation, which modulates insulin secretion based on glucose levels and fatty acid presence. This parameter change transforms the treatment from a fixed-dose insulin approach to a physiologically-responsive mechanism that reduces harmful side effects while maintaining glucose control efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activator is used, then insulin sensitivity is improved, but gastrointestinal issues and edema occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulin sensitivityVSAvoidgastrointestinal issues and edema
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two distinct mechanisms: GPR40 activation (which enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion) and DPP-4 inhibition (which preserves incretin hormones that improve insulin sensitivity). This combination achieves the insulin sensitivity benefits of TZDs without their gastrointestinal and edema side effects, as the incretin system naturally regulates glucose without causing fluid retention or GI disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional diabetes treatment is used, then blood glucose lowering effect is achieved, but reactivity to treatment is lost over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose lowering effectVSAvoidtreatment reactivity duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by using a DPP-4 inhibitor that continuously preserves incretin hormone activity, combined with a GPR40 activator that continuously enhances glucose-responsive insulin secretion. This continuous dual-mechanism approach prevents the tolerance development seen with intermittent or single-mechanism therapies, maintaining treatment reactivity over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3207928B1Composite preparation, containing novel 3-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)hex-4-inoic acid derivative and another active ingredient, for preventing or treating metabolic diseases
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 HYUNDAI PHARMA
  • EP3207928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3207928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3207928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating metabolic diseases, in which a novel 3-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)hex-4-inoic acid derivative and at least another active ingredient, which is selected from the group consisting of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV) inhibitor-based, sulfonylurea-based, thiazolidinedione (TZD)-based, biguanide-based, and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor-based drugs, may be administered in combination or in the form of a composite preparation. The use of the composition of the present invention can provide a remarkably excellent blood sugar reducing effect in various animal diabetic disease models, and the composition of the present invention can be favorably used as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes type I, diabetes type II, glucose intolerance symptoms, insulin resistance symptoms, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and syndrome X.