Metaglidasen
Metaglidasen is a fibrate-like drug developed by Metabolex, Inc. that acts as a selective modulator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a nuclear receptor involved in regulating genes linked to glucose and lipid metabolism. Unlike traditional thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents, metaglidasen lowers plasma glucose levels without common side effects such as weight gain and edema. It is a racemic mixture of two stereoisomers with distinct activities on PPAR subtypes: both show partial agonist activity on PPARγ, while their effects on PPARα differ, with one enantiomer acting as a partial agonist and the other as an antagonist. Additionally, metaglidasen’s metabolically active form has been studied for its impact on skeletal muscle chloride channels, revealing a potentially more favorable safety profile compared to other fibrates. These properties make metaglidasen a drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, and gout, with ongoing clinical trials exploring its long-term effects.