Research Article Details
Article ID: | A47692 |
PMID: | 33626870 |
Source: | J Med Chem |
Title: | Discovery of ACH-000143: A Novel Potent and Peripherally Preferred Melatonin Receptor Agonist that Reduces Liver Triglycerides and Steatosis in Diet-Induced Obese Rats. |
Abstract: | The modulation of melatonin signaling in peripheral tissues holds promise for treating metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Here, several benzimidazole derivatives have been identified as novel agonists of the melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2. The lead compounds 10b, 15a, and 19a demonstrated subnanomolar potency at MT1/MT2 receptors, high oral bioavailability in rodents, peripherally preferred exposure, and excellent selectivity in a broad panel of targets. Two-month oral administration of 10b in high-fat diet rats led to a reduction in body weight gain similar to dapagliflozin with superior results on hepatic steatosis and triglyceride levels. An early toxicological assessment indicated that 10b (also codified as ACH-000143) was devoid of hERG binding, genotoxicity, and behavioral alterations at doses up to 100 mg/kg p.o., supporting further investigation of this compound as a drug candidate. |
DOI: | 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00627 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S07 | Anti-lipogenesis | de novo lipogenesis; de novo lipogenesis; DNL; anti-lipogenic mechanisms; adipogenesis; anti-obesity | stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1); Acetyl-coenzyme carboxylase; acyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor (ACC inhibitor); stearoyl Coenzyme A desaturase inhibitor (SCD inhibitor); THR-beta selective agonist; DGAT2 inhibitor; FASN inhibitor | Aramchol; Firsocostat (GS-0976); VK-2809; ION 224 | Details |
Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I14 | 9970 | Obesity | An overnutrition that is characterized by excess body fat, traditionally defined as an elevated ratio of weight to height (specifically 30 kilograms per meter squared), has_material_basis_in a multifactorial etiology related to excess nutrition intake, decreased caloric utilization, and genetic susceptibility, and possibly medications and certain disorders of metabolism, endocrine function, and mental illness. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity | disease of metabolism/acquired metabolic disease/ nutrition disease/overnutrition | Details |
Drug ID | Drug Name | Type | DrugBank ID | Targets | Category | Latest Progress | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D080 | Citrulline | Chemical drug | DB00155 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D579 | Emfilermin | Miscellany | -- | adipocytes | Enhance lipid metabolism | Under investigation | Details |
D101 | Dapagliflozin | Chemical drug | DB06292 | SLC5A2 antagonist; SLC5A2 inhibitor | Antidiabetic drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D222 | Melatonin | Chemical drug | DB01065 | MPO inhibitor; EPX inhibitor; CALR; ASMT | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |