imeglimin

Imeglimin is a first-in-class oral antidiabetic agent belonging to the "glimin" class of glucose-lowering medications. It is primarily developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unlike other antidiabetic drugs, imeglimin has a unique dual mechanism of action that targets three main pathophysiologic components of type 2 diabetes: impaired glucose uptake by muscle tissue (improving peripheral insulin sensitivity), excess hepatic gluconeogenesis (reducing liver glucose production), and increased β-cell apoptosis (preserving pancreatic β-cell mass and function). At the cellular level, imeglimin acts on mitochondria by partially inhibiting Complex I and correcting deficient Complex III activity in the respiratory chain. This leads to reduced reactive oxygen species formation and improved cellular energy metabolism. Additionally, it amplifies glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and enhances insulin signaling in both liver and skeletal muscle[2][3][4][6][8]. The drug has demonstrated efficacy in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose levels with a favorable safety profile.

Brand names

ImenormImeg CKDImextorZugliminImeclassImeglowDumegLupimegInzoboonImecin

Other names

imeglimin hydrochlorideglimintetrahydrotriazine-containing molecule