K-111: the emerging evidence for its potential in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years. Optimal patient care demands a multifaceted approach, with many individuals requiring several therapies to minimize the significant associated cardiovascular burden. The need for novel agents in the management of the metabolic syndrome is emphasized by the current lack of drugs to treat insulin resistance, one of the major components of the metabolic syndrome that has several deleterious consequences. AIMS: The objective of this review is to assess the emerging evidence for the potential use of K-111 in treatment of the metabolic syndrome. EMERGING EVIDENCE: K-111 is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alfa agonist that, in preclinical studies, has shown efficacy in improving insulin resistance, reducing bodyweight, and ameliorating atherogenic dyslipidemia. Preliminary evidence suggests that toxicity and adverse events are low. PROFILE: The improvements in obesity and insulin resistance, together with other beneficial effects following activation of PPAR alfa by K-111 in preclinical models, are encouraging and offer several potential advantages over currently available therapies for patients with the metabolic syndrome. However, K-111 is at an early stage of development and establishment of its role will require full analysis of clinical trials carefully designed to determine its overall benefits in this increasingly important disease area.