Discovery of 6,7-Dihydro‑5H‑pyrrolo[2,3‑a]pyrimidines as Orally Available G Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 Agonists

GPR119 is a 7-transmembrane receptor that is expressed in the enteroendocrine cells in the intestine and in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Indolines and 6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-a]pyrimidines were discovered as G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists, and lead optimization efforts led to the identification of 1-methylethyl 4-({7-[2-fluoro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl}oxy)-1-piperidinecarboxylate (GSK1104252A) (3), a potent and selective GPR119 agonist. Compound 3 showed excellent pharmacokinetic properties and sufficient selectivity with in vivo studies supporting a role for GPR119 in glucose homeostasis in the rodent. Thus, 3 appeared to modulate the enteroinsular axis, improve glycemic control, and strengthen previous suggestions that GPR119 agonists may have utility in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.