Forxiga (dapagliflozin): Plausible role in the treatment of diabetes-associated neurological disorders

Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have provided direct evidence to strengthen the link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The possibility that T2D patients might be at increased risk in developing AD has serious societal implications. Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) is one of the best targets in the treatment of diabetes, whereas acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has long been regarded as a therapeutic target for AD. This study explores the molecular interactions between AChE and SGLT2 with a new US Food and Drug Administration approved antidiabetic drug Forxiga (dapagliflozin) to explore a possible link between the treatments of AD and diabetes. Docking study was performed using “Autodock4.2.” Hydrophobic and cation–π interactions play an important role in the correct positioning of dapagliflozin within the catalytic site (CAS) of SGLT2 and AChE enzymes to permit docking. Free energy of binding (ΔG) of “dapagliflozin–SGLT2” and “dapagliflozin–CAS domain of AChE” interactions was found to be –6.25 and –6.28 kcal/mol, respectively. Hence, dapagliflozin might act as a potent dual inhibitor of SGLT2 and AChE. The results described herein may form the basis of future dual therapy against diabetes‐associated neurological disorders.