PSN-GK1 is a potent glucokinase activator with an EC50 of 0.13 μM.

PSN-GK1 exhibits an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, with high oral bioavailability, in the rat. PSN-GK1 can markedly reduce blood glucose which accompanied by a trend toward increased pancreatic insulin release. Separately, the antihyperglycemic actions of PSN-GK1 have been shown to be a result of both pancreatic and hepatic effects. In addition, PSN-GK1 engenders potent antihyperglycemic effects in diabetic rodents without causing hypoglycemia[1]. At 5 mM glucose, PSN-GK1 activates glucokinase (4.3-fold, EC50=130 nM), increases MIN6 insulin secretion (26-fold, EC50=267 nM) and 2-DG hepatocytic uptake (3-fold, EC50=1 μM). In C57Bl/6 mice, PSN-GK1 reduces blood glucose at 1 and 10 mg/kg (by mouth), but insulin is increased significantly at only the higher dose. In hyperinsulinaemic 10-mM glucose clamps, PSN-GK1 increases2-DG incorporation into liver glycogen sixfold, directly demonstrating liver effects[2].

[1]. Bertram LS, et al. SAR, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of glucokinase activating 2-(4-sulfonylphenyl)-N-thiazol-2-ylacetamides: discovery of PSN-GK1. J Med Chem. 2008 Jul 24;51(14):4340-5. [2]. Fyfe MC, et al. Glucokinase activator PSN-GK1 displays enhanced antihyperglycaemic and insulinotropic actions. Diabetologia. 2007 Jun;50(6):1277-87.