Compound 21 (China Pharmaceutical University)

**Compound 21** is a synthetic single-molecule rosiglitazone-ferulic acid-nitric oxide donor trihybrid developed in an academic collaboration involving China Pharmaceutical University and the University of Arizona. It was designed as a prodrug-like multifunctional small molecule for glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The molecule releases rosiglitazone in plasma, supporting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation, while its nitric oxide donor and ferulic-acid-derived components are intended to add nitric oxide-releasing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. In preclinical studies, Compound 21 improved glucose tolerance more effectively than rosiglitazone and showed less stimulation of aquaporin-2 membrane translocation in kidney collecting-duct epithelial cells, a finding proposed to indicate potentially reduced fluid-retention liability relative to rosiglitazone. ([sciencedirect.com](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0223523418308687))

Other names

Rosi-ferulic acid-nitric oxide donor trihybrid compound 21rosiglitazone-ferulic acid-nitric oxide donor trihybrid compound 21