MK-7480

MK-7480 is a small molecule agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). GPR119 is a G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in the L-cells of the small intestine and the beta cells of the pancreas. Activation of GPR119 by MK-7480 stimulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), as well as direct insulin release, thereby improving glucose homeostasis and potentially reducing hepatic lipid accumulation. Although MK-7480 advanced into Phase 2a clinical trials, it has since been removed from Merck's active development pipeline, indicating that development for NASH has been discontinued.