Discovery of an Orally Active and Long‐Acting DPP‐IV Inhibitor through Property‐Based Optimization with an in Silico Biotransformation Prediction Tool

Long‐acting dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors have emerged as promising molecules for interventions for type 2 diabetes. Once weekly dosing brings greater patient compliance and more stable glycemic control. Starting from our previous highly potent compound with a thienoprimidine scaffold, which is unfortunately severely hit by hepatic biotransformation, a lead compound was rapidly generated by drawing on the experience of our previously discovered long‐acting compounds with pyrrolopyrimidine scaffold. With the aid of an in silico biotransformation prediction tool, ( R )‐2‐((2‐(3‐aminopiperidin‐1‐yl)‐4‐oxo‐6‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)thieno[3,2‐ d ]pyrimidin‐3(4H)‐yl)methyl)‐4‐fluorobenzonitrile was eventually generated and determined to have high potency, a fine pharmacokinetic profile, and a long‐acting in vivo efficacy.