Systematic SAR optimization of the GPR119 agonist lead 1, derived from an internal HTS campaign, led to compound 29. Compound 29 displays significantly improved in vitro activity and oral exposure, leading to GLP1 elevation in acutely dosed mice and reduced glucose excursion in an OGTT study in rats at doses ⩾10mg/kg.

Screening hit 5 was identified in a biochemical screen for GPR119 agonists. Compound 5 was structurally novel, displayed modest biochemical activity and no oral exposure, but was structurally distinct from typical GPR119 agonist scaffolds. Systematic optimization led to compound 36 with significantly improved in vitro activity and oral exposure, to elevate GLP1 acutely in an in vivo mouse model at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

Several series of compounds containing the 1,4-dioxo-2-butenyl moiety have been prepared as candidate cytotoxins, including the methyl N-arylmaleamates, methyl N-arylfumaramates, and N-arylmaleimides. In addition, the N-arylisomaleimides were synthesized which are the structural isomers of N-arylmaleimides. These compounds were evaluated against human Molt 4/C8 and CEM T-lymphocytes as well as murine L1210 cells. Methyl N-arylfumaramates showed the highest cytotoxic potencies and, in particular, methyl N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)fumaramate is six times more potent than melphalan towards L1210 cells and is equipotent with this drug in the Molt 4/C8 assay. Electrophilicity of compounds under investigation was demonstrated by carrying out thiolation using model benzyl mercaptan on representative compounds. Methyl N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)fumaramate and methyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)maleamate inhibited human N-myristoyltransferase, a possible molecular target, in high micromolar range. QSAR and molecular modeling revealed some correlations between different structural features of a number of the molecules and cytotoxic potencies. Methyl N-arylfumaramates were well tolerated in mice in comparison to the analogs in other series of compounds tested. The data obtained in this investigation affords guidelines for preparing new series of molecules with greater potencies.