Biological evaluation of RBx-0128, a potent and selective dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor in type 2 diabetes genetic model

AIM: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibition to modulate the incretin effect is a proven strategy to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study describes the pharmacological profile of a novel DPP-IV inhibitor RBx-0128, as an antidiabetic agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DPP-IV assay was carried out to evaluate in vitro potency of RBx-0128 using human, mouse, and rat plasma as an enzyme source. Selectivity was assessed with various serine proteases. In vivo efficacy was assessed in ob/ob mice. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile was performed in Wistar rats. RESULTS: RBx-0128 inhibited human, mouse, and rat plasma DPP-IV activity with IC(50) values of 10.6, 18.1, and 56.0 nM respectively, selective over various serine proteases (900–9000-fold). The inhibition was reversible and competitive in nature. In ob/ob mice, RBx-0128 significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited plasma DPP-IV and stimulated GLP-1 and insulin at 10 mg/kg. In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose lowering effect was better than sitagliptin (23 vs. 17%) at 10 mg/kg. The effect was sustained till 8 hours (30-35%) at 10 mg/kg with favorable PK profile (plasma clearance: 39.3 ml/min/kg; C(max) 790 ng/ml; t(1/2) 1.6 hours; t(max) 4.8 hours, V(ss) 3.24 l/kg and F(oral) 55%) in Wistar rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that RBx-0128 is a novel, DPP-IV inhibitor with an antihyperglycemic effect. It can be a promising candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.