Glucokinase activators: Novo Nordisk's WO2008084044 and Array Biopharma's WO2008091770

Abstract

These two patent applications describe a subset of compounds previously claimed generically. Although both represent potentially exciting novel structural types, not previously associated with glucokinase activation, neither provides any relevant biological data to support their practical utility. Glucokinase activators from both Array Biopharma and Novo Nordisk (through their partner, Transtech Pharma) have entered the clinical development pipeline, but it is presently unknown whether the above patent applications cover any of these compounds.

Keywords::

• allosteric enzyme activation
• diabetes
• glucokinase
• glucokinase activators
• gluconeogenesis
• insulin secretion