MD-352

MD-352 (also known as APD668) is an orally active small molecule agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119), originally discovered by Arena Pharmaceuticals and licensed to Mochida Pharmaceutical for development in Japan. GPR119 is a nutrient-sensing receptor primarily expressed in intestinal enteroendocrine cells and pancreatic beta cells; its activation stimulates the glucose-dependent secretion of incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), as well as insulin release. Mochida is developing MD-352 for the treatment of dyslipidemia, leveraging its role in modulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. As of 2024, the compound is in Phase 1 clinical development in Japan, with studies evaluating its safety, pharmacokinetics, and potential drug-drug interactions with common medications like rosuvastatin and midazolam in healthy postmenopausal women.