Classifications

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Definitions

• the present invention relates to exendin-4 peptide analogues which activate the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1 ) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and optionally the glucagon receptor (GCG) and their medical use, for example in the treatment of disorders of the metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and obesity, as well as reduction of excess food intake.
• GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide 1
• GIP glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
• GCG glucagon receptor
• Exendin-4 is a 39 amino acid peptide which is produced by the salivary glands of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) (Eng J. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267: 7402-05,1992). Exendin-4 is an activator of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 ) receptor, whereas it shows only very low activation of the GIP receptor and does not activate the glucagon receptor (see Table 1 ).
• GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide-1
• Table 1 Potencies of exendin-4 at human GLP-1 , GIP and Glucagon receptors (indicated in pM) at increasing concentrations and measuring the formed cAMP as described in Methods.
• Exendin-4 shares many of the glucoregulatory actions observed with GLP-1 .
• Clinical and non-clinical studies have shown that exendin-4 has several beneficial antidiabetic properties including a glucose dependent enhancement in insulin synthesis and secretion, glucose dependent suppression of glucagon secretion, slowing down gastric emptying, reduction of food intake and body weight, and an increase in beta-cell mass and markers of beta cell function (Gentilella R et al., Diabetes Obes Metab., 1 1 :544-56, 2009; Norris SL et al., Diabet Med., 26:837-46, 2009; Bunck MC et al., Diabetes Care., 34:2041 -7, 201 1 ).
• exendin-4 is more resistant to cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) resulting in a longer half-life and duration of action in vivo (Eng J., Diabetes, 45 (Suppl 2):152A (abstract 554), 1996; Deacon CF, Horm Metab Res, 36: 761 -5, 2004).
• DPP4 dipeptidyl peptidase-4
• Exendin-4 was also shown to be much more stable towards degradation by neutral endopeptidase (NEP), when compared to GLP-1 , glucagon or oxyntomodulin (Druce MR et al., Endocrinology, 150(4), 1712-1721 , 2009).
• NEP neutral endopeptidase
• exendin-4 is chemically labile due to methionine oxdiation in position 14 (Hargrove DM et al., Regul. Pept., 141 : 1 13-9, 2007) as well as deamidation and isomerization of asparagine in position 28 (WO 2004/035623).
• exendin-4 is shown as SEQ ID NO: 1 : HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2
• GLP-1 (7-36)-amide is shown as SEQ ID NO: 2: HAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLVKGR-NH2
• Liraglutide is a marketed chemically modified GLP-1 analogue in which, among other modifications, a fatty acid is linked to a lysine in position 20 leading to a prolonged duration of action (Drucker DJ et al, Nature Drug Disc. Rev. 9, 267-268, 2010; Buse, JB et al., Lancet, 374:39-47, 2009).
• the amino acid sequence of Liraglutide is shown as SEQ ID NO: 3:
• GIP glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
• GIP and GLP-1 are the two gut enteroendocrine cell-derived hormones accounting for the incretin effect, which accounts for over 70% of the insulin response to an oral glucose challenge (Baggio LL, Drucker DJ. Biology of incretins: GLP-1 and GIP. Gastroenterology 2007; 132: 2131-2157).
• GIP's amino acid sequence is shown as SEQ ID NO: 4:
• Glucagon is a 29-amino acid peptide which is released into the bloodstream when circulating glucose is low.
• Glucagon's amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 5:
• hypoglycemia when blood glucose levels drop below normal, glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose, causing an increase of blood glucose levels to reach a normal level. Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of insulin treated patients with hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels) due to diabetes. Thus, glucagon's most predominant role in glucose regulation is to counteract insulin action and maintain blood glucose levels.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists such as GLP-1 , Liraglutide and exendin-4
• FPG and PPG fasting and postprandial glucose
• Peptides which bind and activate the GLP-1 receptor are described in patent applications WO 98/08871 A1 , WO2008/081418 A1 and WO2008/023050 A1 , the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
• GLP-1 and GIP receptors dual activation of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, e.g. by combining the actions of GLP-1 and GIP in one preparation, leads to a therapeutic principle with significantly better reduction of blood glucose levels, increased insulin secretion and reduced body weight in mice with T2DM and obesity compared to the marketed GLP-1 agonist liraglutide (e.g. VA Gault et al., Clin Sci (Lond), 121 , 107-1 17, 201 1 ).
• Native GLP-1 and GIP were proven in humans following co-infusion to interact in an additive manner with a significantly increased insulinotropic effect compared to GLP- 1 alone (MA Nauck et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 76, 912-917, 1993).
• Table 2 Potencies of exendin-4 and GLP-1 peptide analogues at GLP-1 and GIP receptors (indicated in pM) at increasing concentrations and measuring the formed cAMP as described in Methods.
• Peptides which bind and activate both the GIP and the GLP-1 receptor and optionally the glucagon receptor, and improve glycaemic control, suppress body weight gain and reduce food intake are described in patent applications WO 201 1/1 19657 A1 , WO 2012/138941 A1 , WO 2010/01 1439 A2, WO 2010/148089 A1 , WO 201 1/094337 A1 , WO 2012/0881 16 A2, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. These applications disclose that mixed agonists of the GLP-1 receptor, the GIP receptor and optionally the glucagon receptor can be designed as analogues of the native GIP or glucagon sequences.
• Exendin-4 peptide analogues comprising leucine in position 10 and glutamine in position 13.
• Krstenansky et al. show the importance of residues 10 to 13 of glucagon for its receptor interactions and activation of adenylate cyclase.
• residues Tyr10 and Tyr13 are replaced by leucine in position 10 and glutamine, a non-aromatic polar amino acid, in position 13.
• exendin-4 derivatives with potentially improved biophysical properties as solubility or aggregation behavior in solution.
• the non-conservative replacement of an aromatic amino acid with a polar amino acid in position 13 of an exendin-4 analogue surprisingly leads to peptides with high activity on the GIP receptor and optionally on the glucagon receptor.
• compounds of this invention are exendin-4 derivatives which show high activity on the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor with only 4 to 6 amino acids replaced compared to exendin-4.
• exendin-4 derivatives which are potent GLP-1 receptor, GIP receptor and - optionally - glucagon receptor agonists and show potentially an improved enzymatic stability, for example versus trypsin, plasmin or a-chymotrypsin, leading to improved in vivo properties as half life and clearance, as shown in Examples 6 and 7 as well as in Tables 8 and 9.
• exendin-4 analogs which potently activate the GLP-1 and the GIP receptor and optionally the glucagon receptor.
• exendin- 4 analogs - among other substitutions - methionine at position 14 is replaced by an amino acid carrying an -NH 2 group in the side-chain, which is further substituted with a lipophilic side-chain (e.g. a fatty acid optionally combined with a linker).
• the invention provides a peptidic compound having the formula (I): R 1 - Z - R 2 (I) wherein Z is a peptide moiety having the formula (II)
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functional ized by -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R 5 , -S(O) 2 -R 5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 may be a moiety comprising up to 50 or up to 100 carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms selected from halogen, N, O, S and/or P,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, lie, Glu, Gin, Leu, Aib, Tyr and Ala,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Arg, Lys, Aib, Leu and Tyr,
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Val, Gin and Aib,
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Phe,
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu, Leu and Tyr,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ala, Arg, Lys, Aib and Ser,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr, Aib, D-
• X40 is absent or represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is optionally functionalized by -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R 5 , -S(O) 2 -R 5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 may be a moiety comprising up to
• R 1 represents NH 2
• R 2 represents OH or NH 2 . or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compounds of the invention are GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists and optionally glucagon receptor agonists as determined by the observation that they are capable of stimulating intracellular cAMP formation.
• In vitro potency determination in cellular assays of agonists is quantified by determining the concentrations that cause 50% activation of maximal response (EC 50 ) as described in Methods.
• the invention therefore provides a peptidic compound having the formula (I):
• Z is a peptide moiety having the formula (II) Tyr-Aib-X3-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-X12-Gln-X14-X15-X16- X17-X18-X19-X20-X21 -Phe-lle-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-X28-X29-Gly-Pro-Ser- Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-X40 (II) X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His,
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functional ized by -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R 5 , -S(O) 2 -R 5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is a moiety comprising up to 50 or up to 100 carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms selected from halogen, N, O, S and/or P
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, lie, Glu,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Arg, Lys, Aib, Leu and Tyr,
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Val, Gin and Aib,
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Phe, Leu, Lys, His, Arg, Pip, (S)MeLys, (R)MeLys, (S)MeOrn and (R)MeOrn, X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu, Leu and Tyr,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ala, Arg, Lys,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr, Aib, D- Ala and Ala,
• X40 is absent or represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is optionally functional ized by -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R 5 , -S(O) 2 -R 5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 may be a moiety comprising up to 50 or up to 100 carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms selected from halogen, N, O, S and/or P,
• R 1 represents NH 2
• R 2 represents OH or NH 2 . or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein the peptidic compound has a relative activity of at least 0.04%, preferably at least 0.08%, more preferably at least 0.2% compared to that of natural GIP at the GIP receptor.
• the peptidic compound particularly with a lysine at position 14 which is further substituted with a lipophilic residue, exhibits a relative activity of at least 0.07%, preferably at least 0.1 %, more preferably at least 0.14%, more preferably at least 0.35% and even more preferably at least 0.4% compared to that of GLP-1 (7-36) at the GLP-1 receptor.
• the peptidic compound particularly with a lysine at position 14 which is further substituted with a lipophilic residue, exhibits a relative activity of at least 0.1 %, preferably at least 0.2%, more preferably at least 0.3%, more preferably at least 0.4% and even more preferably at least 0.5% compared to that of natural glucagon at the glucagon receptor.
• activity as used herein preferably refers to the capability of a compound to activate the human GLP-1 receptor, the human GIP receptor and optionally the human glucagon receptor. More preferably the term “activity” as used herein refers to the capability of a compound to stimulate intracellular cAMP formation.
• relative activity is understood to refer to the capability of a compound to activate a receptor in a certain ratio as compared to another receptor agonist or as compared to another receptor.
• the activation of the receptors by the agonists is determined as described herein, e.g. as described in the examples.
• the compounds of the invention have an EC 50 for hGLP-1 receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50 pM or less, more preferably of 40 pM or less, more preferably of 30 pM or less, and more preferably of 20 pM or less.
• the compounds of the invention have an EC 50 for hGIP receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50 pM or less, more preferably of 40 pM or less, more preferably of 30 pM or less, and more preferably of 20 pM or less.
• the compounds of the invention have optionally an EC 5 o for hGlucagon receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50 pM or less, more preferably of 40 pM or less, more preferably of 30 pM or less, and more preferably of 20 pM or less.
• an EC 5 o for hGlucagon receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50
• the compounds of the invention have an EC 5 o for hGLP-1 receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50 pM or less, more preferably of 40 pM or less, more preferably of 30 pM or less, and more preferably of 20 pM or less, and/or an EC50 for hGIP receptor of 500 pM or less, preferably of 200 pM or less; more preferably of 150 pM or less, more preferably of 100 pM or less, more preferably of 90 pM or less, more preferably of 80 pM or less, more preferably of 70 pM or less, more preferably of 60 pM or less, more preferably of 50
• the EC 50 for both receptors is 500 pM or less, more preferably 200 pM or less, more preferably 150 pM or less, more preferably 100 pM or less, more preferably 90 pM or less, more preferably 80 pM or less, more preferably 70 pM or less, more preferably 60 pM or less, more preferably 50 pM or less, more preferably 40 pM or less, more preferably 30 pM or less, more preferably 20 pM or less.
• the EC 50 for all three receptors is 500 pM or less, more preferably 200 pM or less, more preferably 150 pM or less, more preferably 100 pM or less, more preferably 90 pM or less, more preferably 80 pM or less, more preferably 70 pM or less, more preferably 60 pM or less, more preferably 50 pM or less, more preferably 40 pM or less, more preferably 30 pM or less, more preferably 20 pM or less.
• the EC 5 o for hGLP-1 receptor, hGIP receptor and hGlucagon receptor may be determined as described in the Methods herein and as used to generate the results described in Example 5.
• the compounds of the invention have the ability to reduce the intestinal passage, to increase the gastric content and/or to reduce the food intake of a patient. These activities of the compounds of the invention can be assessed in animal models known to the skilled person and also described herein in the Methods. The results of such experiments are described in Examples 1 1 and 12.
• Preferred compounds of the invention may increase the gastric content of mice, preferably of female NMRI-mice, if administered as a single dose, preferably subcutaneous dose, of 0.02 mg/kg body weight by at least 25%, more preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 40%, more preferably by at least 50%, more preferably by at least 60%, more preferably by at least 70%, more preferably by at least 80%.
• this result is measured 1 h after administration of the respective compound and 30 mins after administration of a bolus, and/or reduces intestinal passage of mice, preferably of female NMRI-mice, if administered as a single dose, preferably subcutaneous dose, of 0.02 mg/kg body weight at least by 45%; more preferably by at least 50%, more preferably by at least 55%, more preferably by at least 60%, and more preferably at least 65%; and/or reduces food intake of mice, preferably of female NMRI-mice, over a period of 22 h, if administered as a single dose, preferably subcutaneous dose of 0.01 mg/kg body weight by at least 10%, more preferably 15%, and more preferably 20%.
• the compounds of the invention have the ability to reduce blood glucose level, and/or to reduce HbA1 c levels of a patient. These activities of the compounds of the invention can be assessed in animal models known to the skilled person and also described herein in the Methods. The results of such experiments are described in Examples 9 and 10.
• Preferred compounds of the invention may reduce blood glucose level of mice, preferably in female leptin-receptor deficient diabetic db/db mice over a period of 24 h, if administered as a single dose, preferably subcutaneous dose, of 0.01 mg/kg body weight by at least 4 mmol/L; more preferably by at least 6 mmol/L, more preferably by at least 8 mmol/L.
• the compounds of the invention lead to a reduction by at least 7 mmol/L; more preferably by at least 9 mmol/L, more preferably by at least 1 1 mmol/L.
• the compounds of the invention preferably reduce the increase of HbA1 c levels of mice over a period of 4 weeks, if administered at a daily dose of 0.01 mg/kg to about the ignition value.
• the compounds of the invention also have the ability to reduce body weight of a patient. These activities of the compounds of the invention can be assessed in animal models known to the skilled person and also described herein in the Methods and in Example 8.
• peptidic compounds of the formula (I), particularly those with a lysine (or close analogs) at position 14 which is further substituted with a lipophilic residue showed very potent GLP-1 and GIP receptor activation; additionally in combination with amino acids like Gin in position 3 also very potent glucagon receptor activation can be provided . It is described in the literature (Murage EN et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 16 (2008), 10106-101 12), that a GLP-1 analogue with an acetylated Lysine at position 14 showed significantly reduced potency compared to natural GLP- 1 .
• compounds of the invention preferably have a high solubility at acidic and/or physiological pH values, e.g., at pH 4.5 and/or at pH 7.4 at 25°C, in another embodiment at least 0.5 mg/ml and in a particular embodiment at least 1 .0 mg/ml.
• compounds of the invention preferably have a high stability when stored in solution.
• Preferred assay conditions for determining the stability is storage for 7 days at 25°C in solution at pH 4.5 or pH 7.4.
• the remaining amount of peptide is determined by chromatographic analyses as described in Methods and Examples.
• the remaining peptide amount is at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90% and even more preferably at least 95%.
• the compounds of the present invention comprise a peptide moiety Z (formula II) which is a linear sequence of 39-40 amino carboxylic acids, particularly a-amino carboxylic acids linked by peptide, i.e. carboxamide, bonds.
• position X14 represents an amino acid residue with a functionalized -NH 2 side chain group, such as functionalized Lys, Orn, Dab, or Dap, more preferably functionalized Lys and X40 is absent or represents Lys.
• a functionalized -NH 2 side chain group such as functionalized Lys, Orn, Dab, or Dap, more preferably functionalized Lys and X40 is absent or represents Lys.
• An amino acid residue with an -NH 2 side chain group may be functionalized in that at least one H atom of the -NH 2 side chain group is replaced by -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R5, -S(0)2-R5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is a moiety comprising up to 50 or up to 100 carbon atoms and optionally heteroatoms selected from halogen, N, O, S and/or P.
• R 5 may comprise a lipophilic moiety, e.g. an acyclic linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon group, wherein R 5 particularly comprises an acyclic linear or branched (C 4 -C 3 o) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and/or a cyclic saturated, unsaturated or aromatic group, particularly a mono-, bi-, or tricyclic group comprising 4 to 14 carbon atoms and 0, 1 , or 2 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, e.g.
• a lipophilic moiety e.g. an acyclic linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon group, wherein R 5 particularly comprises an acyclic linear or branched (C 4 -C 3 o) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and/or a cyclic saturated, unsaturated or aromatic group, particularly a mono-, bi-, or tricyclic group comprising 4 to 14 carbon atoms and 0, 1 , or 2 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S,
• cyclohexyl phenyl, biphenyl, chromanyl, phenanthrenyl or naphthyl, wherein the acyclic or cyclic group may be unsubstituted or substituted e.g. by halogen, -OH and/or CO 2 H.
• R 5 may comprise a lipophilic moiety, e.g. an acyclic linear or branched (C12-C22) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group.
• the lipophilic moiety may be attached to the -NH 2 side chain group by a linker in all stereoisomeric forms, e.g. a linker comprising one or more, e.g. 2, 3 or 4, amino acid linker groups such as ⁇ -aminobutyric acid (GABA), ⁇ - aminohexanoic acid ( ⁇ -Ahx), ⁇ -Glu and/or ⁇ -Ala.
• GABA ⁇ -aminobutyric acid
• ⁇ -Ahx ⁇ - aminohexanoic acid
• ⁇ -Glu ⁇ -Glu and/or ⁇ -Ala.
• the lipophilic moiety is attached to the -NH 2 side chain group by a linker.
• the lipophilic moiety is directly attached to the -NH 2 side chain group.
• amino acid linker groups are ( ⁇ -Ala)-!- 4, (Y-GI U)I-4, (£-Ahx) -4 , or (GABA) -4 .
• Preferred amino acid linker groups are ⁇ -Ala, Y-Glu, B-Ala-B-Ala and ⁇ -Glu-Y-Glu.
• -C(O)-R 5 groups are listed in the following Table 3, which are selected from the group consisting of (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, 4-Hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, 4- ⁇ 3-[(R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((4R,8R)- 4,8,12-trimethyl-tridecyl)-chroman-6-yloxycarbonyl]-propionylamino ⁇ -butyryl-, 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, 4-((Z)-octadec-9-enoylamino)-butyryl-, 6- [(4,4-Diphenyl-cyclohexyloxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryloxy]-hexanoyl-,
• stereoisomers particularly enantiomers of these groups, either S- or R-enantiomers.
• R in Table 3 is intended to mean the attachment site of -C(O)-R 5 at the peptide back bone, i.e. particularly the ⁇ -amino group of Lys.
• the invention relates to peptidic compounds of Formula (I) as defined above, wherein X14 represents an amino acid residue selected from Lys, Orn, Dab and Dap, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by -C(O)-R 5 , X40 represents an amino acid residue selected from Lys, Orn, Dab and Dap, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group can be functionalized by -C(O)-R 5 , and R 5 is a lipophilic moiety selected from an acyclic linear or branched (C 4 -C 3 o) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, and/or a cyclic saturated, unsaturated or aromatic group, wherein the lipophilic moiety may be attached to the -NH 2 side chain group by a linker selected from ( -Ala)i -4 , (Y-GI U)I -4 , (£-Ahx) 1-4 , or (GABA) 1-4 in all stereoisomeric forms
• X14 represents an amino acid residue with a functionalized -NH 2 side chain group, such as functionalized Lys, Orn, Dab or Dap, wherein at least one H atom of the -NH 2 side chain group is replaced by -C(O)-R 5 , which is selected from the group consisting of the substituents according to Table 3 above.
• a functionalized -NH 2 side chain group such as functionalized Lys, Orn, Dab or Dap
• X14 represents an amino acid residue selected from Lys, Orn, Dab and Dap, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by -C(O)-R 5
• X40 represents an amino acid residue selected from Lys, Orn, Dab and Dap, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group can be functionalized by - C(O)-R 5
• -C(O)-R 5 is selected from the group consisting of the substituents according to Table 3 above.
• position X14 and/or X40 in formula (II) represents Lysine (Lys).
• Lys at position 14 and optionally at position 40 is functionalized, e.g. with a group -C(O)R 5 as described above.
• X40 is absent and X14 is Lys functionalized with -C(O)-R 5 , -C(O)O-R 5 , -C(O)NH-R 5 , -S(O) 2 -R 5 or R 5 , preferably by -C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is as defined above.
• X14 is Lys functionalized with C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is selected from the group consisting of (S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyryl ( ⁇ - ⁇ 53), (S)-4- carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl ( ⁇ - ⁇ 70), 4-hexadecanoylamino- butyryl (GABA-x53), 4- ⁇ 3-[( ⁇ )-2,5,7,8- ⁇ 3 ⁇ -2-((4 ⁇ ,8 ⁇ )-4,8,12- trimethyl-tridecyl)-chroman-6-yloxycarbonyl]-propionylamino ⁇ -butyryl- (GABA-x60), 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl (GABA-x70), 4-((Z)-octadec-9- enoylamino)-butyryl (GABA-x74), 6-[(4,4-Dipheny
• X14 is Lys functionalized with C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is selected from the group consisting of (S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino- butyryl (yE-x53) and (S)-4-carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl (yE-x70).
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• R 1 is NH 2 ,
• R 2 is NH 2 or
• R 1 and R 2 are NH 2 .
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by - C(O)- R 5 , wherein R 5 is as described above,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, Glu, lie, Gin, Leu, Aib, Tyr and Ala,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Arg, Aib, Leu, Lys and Tyr,
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Gin, Val and Aib,
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Phe, Arg, Leu, Lys and His,
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu, Tyr, and Leu,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ala, Aib , Arg and Lys,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr, Aib, D- Ala and Ala, X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by - C(O)- R 5 , wherein R 5 is as described above,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, Glu, Gin, Leu, Aib, Tyr and Ala,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Arg, Aib, Leu and Tyr,
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Val and Aib,
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Phe,
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu and Leu,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ala, Aib and
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr, Aib, D- Ala and Ala,
• X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His, X12 represents lie,
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by - C(O)- R 5 , wherein R 5 is as described above,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, Glu, Gin, Leu, Aib, Tyr and Ala,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Arg
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Val
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Lys, Pip, (S)MeLys, (R)MeLys and (S)MeOrn and His
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu and Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr and D- Ala
• X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Glu and His
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents an amino acid residue having a side chain with an -NH 2 group, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by - C(O)- R 5 , wherein R 5 is as described above,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, Glu, Gin, Leu, Aib, Tyr and Ala,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Arg
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Val
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Aib, Lys and His
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp, Glu and Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Thr and D- Ala
• X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Glu, X12 represents lie,
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyrylamino)-butyryl-, 3-(3-Octadecanoylamino-propionylamino)- propionyl- and 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4- henicosanoylamino-butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser and Lys
• X17 represents Arg
• X18 represents Ala
• X19 represents Ala
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Aib
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents Glu
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyrylamino)-butyryl-, 3-(3-Octadecanoylamino-propionylamino)- propionyl- and 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4- henicosanoylamino-butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser and Lys
• X17 represents Arg
• X18 represents Ala
• X19 represents Ala
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Aib
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents Gin
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyrylamino)-butyryl-, 3-(3-Octadecanoylamino-propionylamino)- propionyl- and 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4- henicosanoylamino-butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser and Lys
• X17 represents Arg
• X18 represents Ala
• X19 represents Ala
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Aib
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, Hexadecanoyl-, (S)-4-Carboxy- 4-henicosanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4- octadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, 3-(3-Octadecanoylamino- propionylamino)-propionyl-.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, 4-octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4- Carboxy-4-henicosanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4- carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, 3-(3- Octadecanoylamino-propionylamino)-propionyl-.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryk
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Glu, X12 represents lie,
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser and Lys
• X17 represents Arg
• X18 represents Ala
• X19 represents Ala
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin and Aib
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asp and Glu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, His and Glu, X12 represents lie,
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-,
• X15 represents Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Lys
• X17 represents Glu
• X18 represents Ala
• X20 represents Arg
• X21 represents Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Aib and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents Glu
• X12 represents lie
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-,
• X15 represents Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Lys
• X17 represents Glu
• X18 represents Ala
• X20 represents Arg
• X21 represents Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Aib and Ala
• X29 represents Gly
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, His and Glu
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents Glu
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg and Gin
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Arg
• X19 represents Ala
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Pip, (S)MeLys, (R)MeLys and (S)MeOrn,
• X21 represents Glu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ser and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and Thr
• X40 is absent.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, His and Glu
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, hexadecanoyl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4- octadecanoylamino-butyryl-,
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys, Glu and Gin
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Leu, Aib, Tyr, Glu, Ala and Lys,
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Aib, Leu and Tyr,
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Val and Aib
• X20 represents Aib
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu, Leu and Tyr,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Arg and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Ala, D-Ala and Thr
• X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, His and Glu
• X12 represents an amino acid residue selected from lie and Lys
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by one of the groups selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyryl- and (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-
• X15 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Asp
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ser, Lys and Glu
• X17 represents an amino acid residue selected from Arg, Lys, lie, Glu and Gin
• X18 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Arg and Lys
• X19 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Val and Gin
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gin, Phe, Leu, Lys, His and Arg
• X21 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu, Asp and Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Arg, Lys and Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly, Aib and Thr, X40 is either absent or represents Lys.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X12 represents lie.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X19 represents Ala.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X16 represents Glu
• X20 represents an amino acid residue selected from Pip, (S)MeLys, (R)MeLys and (S)MeOrn.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X28 represents Ala
• X29 represents Gly.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X28 represents Asn
• X29 represents Thr.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds, wherein
• X3 represents Glu
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functional ized by - C(O)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is selected from (S)-4-Carboxy-
• X15 represents Glu
• X16 represents an amino acid residue selected from Glu and Lys
• X17 represents Glu
• X18 represents Ala
• X20 represents Arg
• X21 represents Leu
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Asn, Ala, and Aib
• X29 represents Gly
• X40 is absent.
• Specific examples of peptidic compounds of formula (I) are the compounds of SEQ ID NO: 8-13 as well as salts and solvates thereof.
• peptidic compounds of formula (I) are the compounds of SEQ ID NO: 8-10 and 13 as well as salts and solvates thereof.
• the invention further provides a nucleic acid (which may be DNA or RNA) encoding said compound, an expression vector comprising such a nucleic acid, and a host cell containing such a nucleic acid or expression vector.
• a nucleic acid which may be DNA or RNA
• the present invention provides a composition comprising a compound of the invention in admixture with a carrier.
• the composition is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition and the carrier is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• the compound of the invention may be in the form of a salt, e.g. a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate, e.g. a hydrate.
• the present invention provides a composition for use in a method of medical treatment, particularly in human medicine.
• the nucleic acid or the expression vector may be used as therapeutic aguponents, e.g. in gene therapy.
• the compounds of formula (I) are suitable for therapeutic application without an additionally therapeutically effective agent. In other embodiments, however, the compounds are used together with at least one additional therapeutically active agent, as described in "combination therapy”.
• the compounds of formula (I) are particularly suitable for the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders caused by, associated with and/or accompanied by disturbances in carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism, e.g. for the treatment or prevention of hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, type 1 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Further, the compounds of the invention are particularly suitable for the treatment or prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases.
• the compounds described find use, inter alia, in preventing weight gain or promoting weight loss.
• preventing is meant inhibiting or reducing when compared to the absence of treatment, and is not necessarily meant to imply complete cessation of a disorder.
• the compounds of the invention may cause a decrease in food intake and/or increase in energy expenditure, resulting in the observed effect on body weight.
• the compounds of the invention may have a beneficial effect on circulating cholesterol levels, being capable of improving lipid levels, particularly LDL, as well as HDL levels (e.g. increasing HDL/LDL ratio).
• the compounds of the invention can be used for direct or indirect therapy of any condition caused or characterised by excess body weight, such as the treatment and/or prevention of obesity, morbid obesity, obesity linked inflammation, obesity linked gallbladder disease, obesity induced sleep apnea. They may also be used for treatment and prevention of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, or stroke. Their effects in these conditions may be as a result of or associated with their effect on body weight, or may be independent thereof.
• Preferred medical uses include delaying or preventing disease progression in type 2 diabetes, treating metabolic syndrome, treating obesity or preventing overweight, for decreasing food intake, increase energy expenditure, reducing body weight, delaying the progression from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes; delaying the progression from type 2 diabetes to insulin-requiring diabetes; regulating appetite; inducing satiety; preventing weight regain after successful weight loss; treating a disease or state related to overweight or obesity; treating bulimia; treating binge eating; treating atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, IGT, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, hepatic steatosis, treatment of beta- blocker poisoning, use for inhibition of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, useful in connection with investigations of the gastrointestinal tract using techniques such as X-ray, CT- and NMR-scanning.
• IGT impaired glucose tolerance
• Further preferred medical uses include treatment or prevention of degenerative disorders, particularly neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ataxia, e.g spinocerebellar ataxia, Kennedy disease, myotonic dystrophy, Lewy body dementia, multi-systemic atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, prion-associated diseases, e.g.
• neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ataxia, e.g spinocerebellar ataxia, Kennedy disease, myotonic dystrophy, Lewy body dementia, multi-systemic atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, primary lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, prion-associated diseases, e.g.
• Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease multiple sclerosis, telangiectasia, Batten disease, corticobasal degeneration, subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, Tabes dorsalis, Tay-Sachs disease, toxic encephalopathy, infantile Refsum disease, Refsum disease, neuroacanthocytosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Lyme disease, Machado-Joseph disease, Sandhoff disease, Shy-Drager syndrome, wobbly hedgehog syndrome, proteopathy, cerebral ⁇ -amyloid angiopathy, retinal ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma, synucleinopathies, tauopathies, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), dementia, cadasil syndrome, hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis, Alexander disease, seipinopathies, familial amyloidotic neuropathy, senile systemic amyloidosis, serpinopathies, AL (light chain) amyloido
• amino acid sequences of the present invention contain the conventional one letter and three letter codes for naturally occuring amino acids, as well as generally accepted three letter codes for other amino acids, such as Aib (a-aminoisobutyric acid), Orn (ornithin), Dab (2,4-diamino butyric acid), Dap (2,3-diamino propionic acid), NIe (norleucine), GABA (y-aminobutyric acid) or Ahx ( ⁇ -aminohexanoic acid).
• Aib a-aminoisobutyric acid
• Orn ornithin
• Dab 2,4-diamino butyric acid
• Dap 2,3-diamino propionic acid
• NIe nodeucine
• GABA y-aminobutyric acid
• Ahx ⁇ -aminohexanoic acid
• the term “humannative exendin-4" refers to native exendin-4 having the sequence HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 ).
• the invention provides peptidic compounds as defined above.
• the peptidic compounds of the present invention comprise a linear backbone of amino carboxylic acids linked by peptide, i.e. carboxamide bonds.
• the amino carboxylic acids are a-amino carboxylic acids and more preferably L-a-amino carboxylic acids, unless indicated otherwise.
• the peptidic compounds preferably comprise a backbone sequence of 39-40 amino carboxylic acids.
• the peptidic compounds of the present invention may have unmodified side- chains, but carry at least one modification at one of the side chains. For the avoidance of doubt, in the definitions provided herein, it is generally intended that the sequence of the peptidic moiety (II) differs from native exendin-4 at least at one of those positions which are stated to allow variation.
• Amino acids within the peptide moiety (II) can be considered to be numbered consecutively from 0 to 40 in the conventional N-terminal to C- terminal direction.
• Reference to a ..position" within peptidic moiety (II) should be constructed accordingly, as should reference to positions within native exendin-4 and other molecules, e.g., in exendin-4, His is at position 1 , Gly at position 2, Met at position 14, ... and Ser at position 39.
• the amino acid residues at position 14 and optionally at position 40, having a side chain with an - NH 2 group, e.g. Lys, Orn, Dab or Dap are conjugated to a functional group, e.g. acyl groups.
• one or more selected amino acids of the peptides in the present invention may carry a covalent attachment at their side chains.
• those attachments may be lipophilic. These lipophilic side chain attachments have the potential to reduce in vivo clearance of the peptides thus increasing their in vivo half- lives.
• the lipophilic attachment may consist of a lipophilic moiety which can be a branched or unbranched, aliphatic or unsaturated acyclic moiety and/or a cyclic moiety selected from one or several aliphatic or unsaturated homocycles or heterocycles, aromatic condensed or non-condensed homocycles or heterocycles, ether linkages, unsaturated bonds and substituents, e.g. hydroxy and/or carboxy groups.
• the lipophilic moiety may be attached to the peptide either by alkylation, reductive amination or by an amide bond, a carbamate or a sulfonamide bond in case of amino acids carrying an amino group at their side chain.
• Nonlimiting examples of lipophilic moieties that can be attached to amino acid side chains include fatty acids, e.g. C 8 -3o fatty acids such as palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid, and/or cyclic groups as described above or derivatives thereof.
• fatty acids e.g. C 8 -3o fatty acids such as palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid, and/or cyclic groups as described above or derivatives thereof.
• linkers between the amino acid of the peptide and the lipophilic attachment.
• linkers are ⁇ - alanine, ⁇ -glutamic acid, a-glutamic acid, ⁇ -aminobutyric acid and/or ⁇ - aminohexanoic acid or dipeptides, such as -Ala- -Ala (also abbreviated A- ⁇ herein) and/or ⁇ -Glu-y-Glu (also abbreviated ⁇ - ⁇ herein) in all their stereo-isomer forms (S and R enantiomers).
• a side chain attachment is palmitic acid which is covalently linked to the a-amino group of glutamic acid forming an amide bond.
• the ⁇ -carboxy group of this substituted glutamic acid can form an amide bond with the side chain amino group of a lysine within the peptide.
• the present invention provides a composition comprising a compound of the invention as described herein, or a salt or solvate thereof, in admixture with a carrier.
• the invention also provides the use of a compound of the present invention for use as a medicament, particularly for the treatment of a condition as described below.
• the invention also provides a composition wherein the composition is a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, and the carrier is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• Peptide synthesis The skilled person is aware of a variety of different methods to prepare the peptides that are described in this invention. These methods include but are not limited to synthetic approaches and recombinant gene expression. Thus, one way of preparing these peptides is the synthesis in solution or on a solid support and subsequent isolation and purification. A different way of preparing the peptides is gene expression in a host cell in which a DNA sequence encoding the peptide has been introduced. Alternatively, the gene expression can be achieved without utilizing a cell system. The methods described above may also be combined in any way.
• a preferred way to prepare the peptides of the present invention is solid phase synthesis on a suitable resin.
• Solid phase peptide synthesis is a well established methodology (see for example: Stewart and Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, III., 1984; E. Atherton and R. C. Sheppard, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis. A Practical Approach, Oxford-IRL Press, New York, 1989).
• Solid phase synthesis is initiated by attaching an N-terminally protected amino acid with its carboxy terminus to an inert solid support carrying a cleavable linker.
• This solid support can be any polymer that allows coupling of the initial amino acid, e.g.
• the polymer support must be stable under the conditions used to deprotect the a-amino group during the peptide synthesis.
• the a-amino protecting group of this amino acid is removed.
• the remaining protected amino acids are then coupled one after the other in the order represented by the peptide sequence using appropriate amide coupling reagents, for example BOP, HBTU, HATU or DIC ( ⁇ , ⁇ '-diisopropylcarbodiimide) / HOBt (1 -hydroxybenzotriazol), wherein BOP, HBTU and HATU are used with tertiary amine bases.
• the liberated N-terminus can be functionalized with groups other than amino acids, for example carboxylic acids, etc.
• reactive side-chain groups of the amino acids are protected with suitable blocking groups.
• protecting groups are removed after the desired peptides have been assembled. They are removed concomitantly with the cleavage of the desired product from the resin under the same conditions.
• Protecting groups and the procedures to introduce protecting groups can be found in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3d ed., Greene, T. W. and Wuts, P. G. M., Wiley & Sons (New York: 1999).
• a lysine may be protected with an ivDde ([1 - (4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohex-1 -ylidene)-3-methylbutyl) protecting group (S.R. Chhabra et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 39, (1998), 1603) which is labile to a very nucleophilic base, for example 4% hydrazine in DMF (dimethyl formamide).
• ivDde [1 - (4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohex-1 -ylidene)-3-methylbutyl
• the ivDde group can be selectively removed using 4% hydrazine in DMF and the corresponding free amino group can then be further modified, e.g. by acylation.
• the lysine can alternatively be coupled to a protected amino acid and the amino group of this amino acid can then be deprotected resulting in another free amino group which can be acylated or attached to further amino acids.
• peptide is cleaved from the resin. This can be achieved by using King's cocktail (D. S. King, C. G. Fields, G. B. Fields, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 36, 1990, 255-266).
• the raw material can then be purified by chromatography, e.g. preparative RP-HPLC, if necessary. Potency
• potency or “in vitro potency” is a measure for the ability of a compound to activate the receptors for GLP-1 , GIP or glucagon in a cell-based assay. Numerically, it is expressed as the "EC50 value", which is the effective concentration of a compound that induces a half maximal increase of response (e.g. formation of intracellular cAMP) in a dose- response experiment.
• the compounds of the invention are agonists for the receptors for GLP-1 and for GIP as well as optionally the glucagon receptor (e.g. "dual or trigonal agonists").
• Such peptides that are GIP/GLP-1 co-agonists, or GIP/GLP- 1/glucagon tri-agonists may provide therapeutic benefit to address a clinical need for targeting the metabolic syndrome by allowing simultaneous treatment of diabetes and obesity.
• Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that, when occurring together, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as atherosclerotic vascular disease, e.g. heart disease and stroke. Defining medical parameters for the metabolic syndrome include diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, raised fasting glucose, insulin resistance, urinary albumin secretion, central obesity, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol.
• Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health and life expectancy and due to its increasing prevalence in adults and children it has become one of the leading preventable causes of death in modern world. It increases the likelihood of various other diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, as well as osteoarthritis, and it is most commonly caused by a combination of excess food intake, reduced energy expenditure, as well as genetic susceptibility. Diabetes mellitus, often simply called diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar levels, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.
• diabetes The most common types of diabetes are: (1 ) type 1 diabetes, where the body fails to produce insulin; (2) type 2 diabetes, where the body fails to use insulin properly, combined with an increase in insulin deficiency over time, and (3) gestational diabetes, where women develop diabetes due to their pregnancy. All forms of diabetes increase the risk of long-term complications, which typically develop after many years. Most of these long-term complications are based on damage to blood vessels and can be divided into the two categories "macrovascular" disease, arising from atherosclerosis of larger blood vessels and "microvascular” disease, arising from damage of small blood vessels. Examples for macrovascular disease conditions are ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Examples for microvascular diseases are diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, as well as diabetic neuropathy.
• the receptors for GLP-1 and GIP as well as glucagon are members of the family of 7-transmembrane-spanning, heterotrimeric G-protein coupled receptors. They are structurally related to each other and share not only a significant level of sequence identity, but have also similar mechanisms of ligand recognition and intracellular signaling pathways.
• GLP-1 and glucagon share regions of high sequence identity/similarity.
• GLP-1 and glucagon are produced from a common precursor, preproglucagon, which is differentially processed in a tissue-specific manner to yield e.g. GLP-1 in intestinal endocrine cells and glucagon in alpha cells of pancreatic islets.
• GIP is derived from a larger proGIP prohormone precursor and is synthesized and released from K-cells located in the small intestine.
• the peptidic incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP are secreted by intestinal endocrine cells in response to food and account for up to 70% of meal- stimulated insulin secretion.
• GLP-1 secretion is reduced in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes, whereas responsiveness to GLP-1 is still preserved in these patients.
• targeting of the GLP-1 receptor with suitable agonists offers an attractive approach for treatment of metabolic disorders, including diabetes.
• the receptor for GLP-1 is distributed widely, being found mainly in pancreatic islets, brain, heart, kidney and the gastrointestinal tract. In the pancreas, GLP-1 acts in a strictly glucose-dependent manner by increasing secretion of insulin from beta cells. This glucose-dependency shows that activation of GLP-1 receptors is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia.
• the receptor for GIP is broadly expressed in peripheral tissues including pancreatic islets, adipose tissue, stomach, small intestine, heart, bone, lung, kidney, testis, adrenal cortex, pituitary, endothelial cells, trachea, spleen, thymus, thyroid and brain. Consistent with its biological function as incretin hormone, the pancreatic ⁇ -cell express the highest levels of the receptor for GIP in humans. There is some clinical evidence that the GIP-receptor mediated signaling could be impaired in patients with T2DM but GIP-action is shown to be reversible and could be restored with improvement of the diabetic status. Of note, the stimulation of insulin secretion by both incretin hormones, GIP and GLP-1 is strictly glucosed-dependent ensuring a fail-safe mechanism associated with at low risk for hypoglycemia.
• GLP-1 and GIP have been shown to promote glucose sensitivity, neogenesis, proliferation, transcription of proinsulin and hypertrophy, as well as antiapoptosis.
• a peptide with dual agonistic activity for the GLP-1 and the GIP receptor could be anticipated to have additive or synergistic anti-diabetic benefit.
• Other relevant effects of GLP-1 beyond the pancreas include delayed gastric emptying, increased satiety, decreased food intake, reduction of body weight, as well as neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. In patients with type 2 diabetes, such extrapancreatic effects could be particularly important considering the high rates of comorbidities like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• Further GIP actions in peripheral tissues beyond the pancreas comprise increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption as well as neuroprotective effects which might be beneficial for the treatment of osteoporosis and cognitive defects like Alzheimer's disease.
• Glucagon is a 29 amino acid peptide hormone that is produced by pancreatic alpha cells and released into the bloodstream when circulating glucose is low.
• An important physiological role of glucagon is to stimulate glucose output in the liver, which is a process providing the major counterregulatory mechanism for insulin in maintaining glucose homeostasis in vivo.
• Glucagon receptors are however also expressed in extrahepatic tissues such as kidney, heart, adipocytes, lymphoblasts, brain, retina, adrenal gland and gastrointestinal tract, suggesting a broader physiological role beyond glucose homeostasis. Accordingly, recent studies have reported that glucagon has therapeutically positive effects on energy management, including stimulation of energy expenditure and thermogenesis, accompanied by reduction of food intake and body weight loss. Altogether, stimulation of glucagon receptors might be useful in the treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome.
• Oxyntomodulin is a peptide hormone consisting of glucagon with an eight amino acids encompassing C-terminal extension. Like GLP-1 and glucagon, it is preformed in preproglucagon and cleaved and secreted in a tissue- specific manner by endocrinal cells of the small bowel. Oxyntomodulin is known to stimulate both, the receptors for GLP-1 and glucagon and is therefore the prototype of a dual agonist.
• GLP-1 and GIP are known for their anti-diabetic effects
• GLP-1 and glucagon are both known for their food intake-suppressing effects
• glucagon is also a mediator of additional energy expenditure
• the compounds of the invention may be used for treatment of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, increased fasting glucose, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke or any combination of these individual disease components.
• they may be used for control of appetite, feeding and calory intake, increase of energy expenditure, prevention of weight gain, promotion of weight loss, reduction of excess body weight and altogether treatment of obesity, including morbid obesity.
• Further disease states and health conditions which could be treated with the compounds of the invention are obesity-linked inflammation, obesity-linked gallbladder disease and obesity-induced sleep apnea. Although all these conditions could be associated directly or indirectly with obesity, the effects of the compounds of the invention may be mediated in whole or in part via an effect on body weight, or independent thereof.
• exendin-4 Compared to GLP-1 , glucagon and oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 has beneficial physicochemical properties, such as solubility and stability in solution and under physiological conditions (including enzymatic stability towards degradation by enzymes, such as DPP-4 or NEP), which results in a longer duration of action in vivo. Therefore, exendin-4 might serve as good starting scaffold to obtain exendin-4 analogs with dual or even triple pharmacologies, e.g., GLP-1/GIP and optionally in addition glucagon agonism.
• exendin-4 has been shown to be chemically labile due to methionine oxdiation in position 14 as well as deamidation and isomerization of asparagine in position 28. Therefore, stability might be further improved by substitution of methionine at position 14 and the avoidance of sequences that are known to be prone to degradation via aspartimide formation, especially Asp-Gly or Asn-Gly at positions 28 and 29.
• composition indicates a mixture containing ingredients that are compatible when mixed and which may be administered.
• a pharmaceutical composition may include one or more medicinal drugs. Additionally, the pharmaceutical composition may include carriers, buffers, acidifying agents, alkalizing agents, solvents, adjuvants, tonicity adjusters, emollients, expanders, preservatives, physical and chemical stabilizers e.g. surfactants, antioxidants and other components, whether these are considered active or inactive ingredients.
• Guidance for the skilled in preparing pharmaceutical compositions may be found, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, (20th ed.) ed. A. R. Gennaro A.
• exendin-4 peptide derivatives of the present invention, or salts thereof, are administered in conjunction with an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier, diluent, or excipient as part of a pharmaceutical composition.
• a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is a carrier which is physiologically acceptable (e.g. physiologically acceptable pH) while retaining the therapeutic properties of the substance with which it is administered.
• Standard acceptable pharmaceutical carriers and their formulations are known to one skilled in the art and described, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, (20th ed.) ed. A. R. Gennaro A. R., 2000, Lippencott Williams & Wilkins and in R.C.Rowe et al (Ed), Handbook of Pharmaceutical excipients, PhP, May 2013 update.
• One exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is physiological saline solution.
• carriers are selected from the group of buffers (e.g. citrate/citric acid), acidifying agents (e.g. hydrochloric acid), alkalizing agents (e.g. sodium hydroxide), preservatives (e.g. phenol), co-solvents (e.g. polyethylene glycol 400), tonicity adjusters (e.g. mannitol), stabilizers (e.g. surfactant, antioxidants, amino acids).
• buffers e.g. citrate/citric acid
• acidifying agents e.g. hydrochloric acid
• alkalizing agents e.g. sodium hydroxide
• preservatives e.g. phenol
• co-solvents e.g. polyethylene glycol 400
• tonicity adjusters e.g. mannitol
• stabilizers e.g. surfactant, antioxidants, amino acids
• Concentrations used are in a range that is physiologically acceptable.
• Acceptable pharmaceutical carriers or diluents include those used in formulations suitable for oral, rectal, nasal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, and transdermal) administration.
• the compounds of the present invention will typically be administered parenterally.
• pharmaceutically acceptable salt means salts of the compounds of the invention which are safe and effective for use in mammals.
• Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may include, but are not limited to, acid addition salts and basic salts.
• acid addition salts include chloride, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, (hydrogen) phosphate, acetate, citrate, tosylate or mesylate salts.
• basic salts include salts with inorganic cations, e.g. alkaline or alkaline earth metal salts such as sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salts and salts with organic cations such as amine salts. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, (20th ed.) ed.
• solvate means complexes of the compounds of the invention or salts thereof with solvent molecules, e.g. organic solvent molecules and/or water.
• the exendin-4 derivative in monomeric or oligomeric form.
• the term "therapeutically effective amount" of a compound refers to a nontoxic but sufficient amount of the compound to provide the desired effect.
• the amount of a compound of the formula I necessary to achieve the desired biological effect depends on a number of factors, for example the specific compound chosen, the intended use, the mode of administration and the clinical condition of the patient.
• An appropriate "effective" amount in any individual case may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine experimentation
• the "therapeutically effective amount" of a compound of the formula (I) is about 0.01 to 50 mg/dose, preferably 0.1 to 10 mg/dose.
• compositions of the invention are those suitable for parenteral (for example subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal or intravenous), oral, rectal, topical and peroral (for example sublingual) administration, although the most suitable mode of administration depends in each individual case on the nature and severity of the condition to be treated and on the nature of the compound of formula I used in each case.
• Suitable pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of separate units, for example capsules, tablets and powders in vials or ampoules, each of which contains a defined amount of the compound; as powders or granules; as solution or suspension in an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid; or as an oil- in-water or water-in-oil emulsion.
• compositions may, as already mentioned, be prepared by any suitable pharmaceutical method which includes a step in which the active ingredient and the carrier (which may consist of one or more additional ingredients) are brought into contact.
• the pharmaceutical composition may be provided together with a device for application, for example together with a syringe, an injection pen or an autoinjector.
• a device for application for example together with a syringe, an injection pen or an autoinjector.
• Such devices may be provided separate from a pharmaceutical composition or prefilled with the pharmaceutical composition.
• the compounds of the present invention can be widely combined with other pharmacologically active compounds, such as all drugs mentioned in the Rote Liste 2012 and/or the Rote Liste 2013, e.g.
• the active ingredient combinations can be used especially for a synergistic improvement in action. They can be applied either by separate administration of the active ingredients to the patient or in the form of combination products in which a plurality of active ingredients are present in one pharmaceutical preparation. When the active ingredients are administered by separate administration of the active ingredients, this can be done simultaneously or successively.
• active substances which are suitable for such combinations include in particular those which for example potentiate the therapeutic effect of one or more active substances with respect to one of the indications mentioned and/or which allow the dosage of one or more active substances to be reduced.
• Therapeutic agents which are suitable for combinations include, for example, antidiabetic agents such as:
• Insulin and Insulin derivatives for example: Glargine / Lantus ® , 270 - 330U/ml_ of insulin glargine (EP 2387989 A ), 300U/ml_ of insulin glargine (EP 2387989 A), Glulisin / Apidra ® , Detemir / Levemir ® , Lispro / Humalog ® / Liprolog ® , Degludec / DegludecPlus, Aspart, basal insulin and analogues (e.g.LY-2605541 , LY2963016, NN1436), PEGylated insulin Lispro, Humulin ® , Linjeta, SuliXen ® , NN1045, Insulin plus Symlin, PE0139, fast-acting and short-acting insulins (e.g.
• Linjeta PH20, NN1218, HinsBet
• API- 002 hydrogel
• oral, inhalable, transdermal and sublingual insulins e.g. Exubera ® , Nasulin ® , Afrezza, Tregopil, TPM 02, Capsulin, Oral-lyn ® , Cobalamin ® oral insulin, ORMD-0801 , NN1953, NN1954, NN1956, VIAtab, Oshadi oral insulin.
• insulin derivatives which are bonded to albumin or another protein by a bifunctional linker.
• GLP-1 , GLP-1 analogues and GLP-1 receptor agonists for example: Lixisenatide / AVE0010 / ZP10 / Lyxumia, Exenatide / Exendin-4 / Byetta / Bydureon / ITCA 650 / AC-2993, Liraglutide / Victoza, Semaglutide, Taspoglutide, Syncria / Albiglutide, Dulaglutide, rExendin-4, CJC-1 134-PC, PB-1023, TTP-054, Langlenatide / HM-1 1260C, CM-3, GLP-1 Eligen, ORMD-0901 , NN-9924, NN-9926, NN-9927, Nodexen, Viador-GLP-1 , CVX- 096, ZYOG-1 , ZYD-1 , GSK-2374697, DA-3091 , MAR-701 , MAR709, ZP- 2929, ZP-3022
• DPP-4 inhibitors for example: Alogliptin / Nesina, Trajenta / Linagliptin / Bl- 1356 / Ondero / Trajenta / Tradjenta / Trayenta / Tradzenta, Saxagliptin / Onglyza, Sitagliptin / Januvia / Xelevia / Tesave / Janumet / Velmetia, Galvus / Vildagliptin, Anagliptin, Gemigliptin, Teneligliptin, Melogliptin, Trelagliptin, DA-1229, Omarigliptin / MK-3102, KM-223, Evogliptin, ARI- 2243, PBL-1427, Pinoxacin.
• SGLT2 inhibitors for example: Invokana / Canaglifozin, Forxiga / Dapagliflozin, Remoglifozin, Sergliflozin, Empagliflozin, Ipragliflozin, Tofogliflozin, Luseogliflozin, LX-421 1 , Ertuglifozin / PF-04971729, RO- 4998452, EGT-0001442, KGA-3235 / DSP-3235, LIK066, SBM-TFC-039,
• Biguanides e.g. Metformin, Buformin, Phenformin
• Thiazolidinediones e.g. Pioglitazone, Rivoglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Troglitazone
• dual PPAR agonists e.g. Aleglitazar, Muraglitazar, Tesaglitazar
• Sulfonylureas e.g. Tolbutamide, Glibenclamide, Glimepiride/Amaryl, Glipizide
• Meglitinides e.g. Nateglinide, Repaglinide, Mitiglinide
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors e.g.
• GPR1 19 agonists e.g. GSK-263A, PSN-821 , MBX-2982, APD-597, ZYG-19, DS-8500
• GPR40 agonists e.g. Fasiglifam / TAK-875, TUG-424, P-1736, JTT-851 , GW9508.
• Suitable combination partners are: Cycloset, inhibitors of 1 1 -beta-HSD (e.g. LY2523199, BMS770767, RG-4929, BMS816336, AZD-8329, HSD- 016, BI-135585), activators of glucokinase (e.g. TTP-399, AMG-151 , TAK- 329, GKM-001 ), inhibitors of DGAT (e.g. LCQ-908), inhibitors of protein tyrosinephosphatase 1 (e.g.
• Trodusquemine inhibitors of glucose-6- phosphatase, inhibitors of fructose-1 ,6-bisphosphatase, inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase, inhibitors of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase, inhibitors of pyruvate dehydrokinase, alpha2-antagonists, CCR-2 antagonists, SGLT-1 inhibitors (e.g. LX-2761 ).
• One or more lipid lowering agents are also suitable as combination partners, such as for example: HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (e.g. Simvastatin, Atorvastatin), fibrates (e.g. Bezafibrate, Fenofibrate), nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof (e.g. Niacin), PPAR-(alpha, gamma or alpha/gamma) agonists or modulators (e.g. Aleglitazar), PPAR-delta agonists, ACAT inhibitors (e.g. Avasimibe), cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g. Ezetimibe), Bile acid-binding substances (e.g.
• HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors e.g. Simvastatin, Atorvastatin
• fibrates e.g. Bezafibrate, Fenofibrate
• nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof e.g. Niacin
• HDL-raising compounds such as: CETP inhibitors (e.g. Torcetrapib, Anacetrapid, Dalcetrapid, Evacetrapid, JTT-302, DRL-17822, TA-8995) or ABC1 regulators.
• suitable combination partners are one or more active substances for the treatment of obesity, such as for example: Sibutramine, Tesofensine, Orlistat, antagonists of the cannabinoid-1 receptor, MCH-1 receptor antagonists, MC4 receptor agonists, NPY5 or NPY2 antagonists (e.g. Velneperit), beta-3-agonists, leptin or leptin mimetics, agonists of the 5HT2c receptor (e.g. Lorcaserin), or the combinations of bupropione/naltrexone, bupropione/zonisamide, bupropione/phentermine or pramlintide/metreleptin.
• Other suitable combination partners are:
• gastrointestinal peptides such as Peptide YY 3-36 (PYY3-36) or analogues thereof, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or analogues thereof.
• PYY3-36 Peptide YY 3-36
• PP pancreatic polypeptide
• Glucagon receptor agonists or antagonists GIP receptor agonists or antagonists
• ghrelin antagonists or inverse agonists Xenin and analogues thereof.
• angiotensin II receptor antagonists e.g. telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, tasosartan, azilsartan
• ACE inhibitors e.g. telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, tasosartan, azilsartan
• ACE inhibitors e.g. telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, tasosartan, azilsartan
• ACE inhibitors e.g. telmisartan, candesartan, valsartan, losartan, eprosartan, irbe
• this invention relates to the use of a compound according to the invention or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof combined with at least one of the active substances described above as a combination partner, for preparing a medicament which is suitable for the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions which can be affected by binding to the receptors for GLP-1 and glucagon and by modulating their activity.
• This is preferably a disease in the context of the metabolic syndrome, particularly one of the diseases or conditions listed above, most particularly diabetes or obesity or complications thereof.
• the use of the compounds according to the invention, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with one or more active substances may take place simultaneously, separately or sequentially.
• the use of the compound according to the invention, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with another active substance may take place simultaneously or at staggered times, but particularly within a short space of time. If they are administered simultaneously, the two active substances are given to the patient together; if they are used at staggered times, the two active substances are given to the patient within a period of less than or equal to 12 hours, but particularly less than or equal to 6 hours.
• this invention relates to a medicament which comprises a compound according to the invention or a physiologically acceptable salt of such a compound and at least one of the active substances described above as combination partners, optionally together with one or more inert carriers and/or diluents.
• the compound according to the invention, or physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and the additional active substance to be combined therewith may both be present together in one formulation, for example a tablet or capsule, or separately in two identical or different formulations, for example as so-called kit-of-parts.
• Figure 1 Effect of s.c. administration of compound SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 pg/kg and 10 g/kg on body weight in female diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6NCrl mice following 3-weeks chronic treatment once daily. Data are mean ⁇ SEM.
• Figure 2 Effect of s.c. administration of compound SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 pg/kg and 10 pg/kg on body weight in female diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6NCrl mice following 3-weeks chronic treatment once daily. Changes in body weight were calculated as relative change from baseline. Data are mean ⁇ SEM.
• Figure 3 Effect of 4 weeks of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 and 10 pg/kg, s.c. on non-fasted glucose in diabetic dbdb-mice, represented as change from baseline (0 mmol/l, day -7). Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 4 Effect of 4 weeks of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 and 10 pg/kg, s.c. on HbA1 c in diabetic dbdb-mice, represented as change from baseline (0 %, day -7). Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 6 Effect of 4 weeks of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 and 10 g/kg, s.c. on oral glucose tolerance in diabetic dbdb-mice, represented as area under the glucose curve (Glucose-AUC). Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 7 Effect of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 13 at 3 pg/kg, s.c. on glucose lowering in non-fasted female diabetic dbdb-mice, represented as change from baseline. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 8 Effect of s.c. administration of compound SEQ ID NO: 10, 1 , 10 and 100 pg/kg on gastric emptying and intestinal passage in female NMRI- mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 9 Effect of s.c. administration of compound SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 and 10 pg/kg on 22-hours feed intake in female NMRI-mice. Data are mean+SEM. * p ⁇ 0.05.
• Rink-Amide resins (4-(2',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl-Fmoc-aminomethyl)- phenoxyacetamido-norleucylaminomethyl resin, Merck Biosciences; 4-[(2,4- Dimethoxyphenyl)(Fmoc-amino)methyl]phenoxy acetamido methyl resin, Agilent Technologies) were used for the synthesis of peptide amides with loadings in the range of 0.3-0.4 mmol/g.
• Fmoc protected natural amino acids were purchased from Protein Technologies Inc., Senn Chemicals, Merck Biosciences, Novabiochem, Iris Biotech or Bachem. The following standard amino acids were used throughout the syntheses: Fmoc-L-Ala-OH, Fmoc-Arg(Pbf)-OH, Fmoc-L- Asn(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-L-Asp(OtBu)-OH, Fmoc-L-Cys(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-L-Gln(Trt)- OH, Fmoc-L-Glu(OtBu)-OH, Fmoc-Gly-OH, Fmoc-L-His(Trt)-OH, Fmoc-L-lle- OH, Fmoc-L-Leu-OH, Fmoc-L-Lys(Boc)-OH, Fmoc-L-Met-OH, Fmoc-L
• the solid phase peptide syntheses were performed for example on a Prelude Peptide Synthesizer (Protein Technologies Inc) or similar automated synthesizer using standard Fmoc chemistry and HBTU/DIPEA activation. DMF was used as the solvent. Deprotection: 20% piperidine/DMF for 2 x 2.5 min. Washes: 7 x DMF. Coupling 2:5:10 200 mM AA / 500 mM HBTU / 2M DIPEA in DMF 2 x for 20 min. Washes: 5 x DMF.
• Fmoc-L-Lys(ivDde)-OH or Fmoc-L-Lys(Mmt)-OH was used in the corresponding position.
• the ivDde group was removed according to a modified literature procedure (S.R. Chhabra et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 39, (1998), 1603), using 4% hydrazine hydrate in DMF.
• the Mmt group was removed by repeated treatment with 1 % TFA in dichloromethane.
• the following acylations were carried out by treating the resin with the N-hydroxy succinimide esters of the desired acid or using coupling reagents like HBTU/DIPEA or HOBt/DIC.
• a Waters LCT Premier Time-of-Flight instrument was used as mass analyser equipped with an electrospray in the positive ion mode.
• Method B detection at 210 - 225 nm, optionally coupled to a mass analyser Waters LCT Premier, electrospray positive ion mode
• Method E detection at 210 - 225 nm, optionally coupled to a mass analyser Waters LCT Premier, electrospray positive ion mode
• the crude peptides were purified either on an Akta Purifier System or on a Jasco semiprep HPLC System. Preparative RP-C18-HPLC columns of different sizes and with different flow rates were used depending on the amount of crude peptide to be purified. Acetonitrile + 0.05 to 0.1 % TFA (B) and water + 0.05 to 0.1 % TFA (A) were employed as eluents. Alternatively, a buffer system consisting of acetonitrile and water with minor amounts of acetic acid was used. Product-containing fractions were collected and lyophilized to obtain the purified product, typically as TFA or acetate salt. Solubility and Stability-Testing of exendin-4 derivatives
• solubility was then determined by comparison with the UV peak areas obtained with a stock solution of the peptide at a concentration of 2 img/mL in pure water or a variable amount of acetonitrile (optical control that all of the compound was dissolved). This analysis also served as starting point (tO) for the stability testing.
• % remaining peptide [(peak area peptide t7) x 100]/peak area peptide to.
• the amount of soluble degradation products was calculated from the comparison of the sum of the peak areas from all observed impurities reduced by the sum of peak areas observed at to (i.e. to determine the amount of newly formed peptide-related species). This value was given in percentual relation to the initial amount of peptide at tO, following the equation:
• % soluble degradation products ⁇ [(peak area sum of impurities t7) - (peak area sum of impurities tO)] x 100 ⁇ /peak area peptide to
• % precipitate 100-([% remaining peptide] + [% soluble degradation products])
• This precipitate includes non-soluble degradation products, polymers and/or fibrils, which have been removed from analysis by centrifugation.
• the chemical stability is expressed as "% remaining peptide”.
• Agonism of compounds for the receptors was determined by functional assays measuring cAMP response of HEK-293 cell lines stably expressing human GIP, GLP-1 or glucagon receptor.
• cAMP content of cells was determined using a kit from Cisbio Corp. (cat. no. 62AM4PEC) based on HTRF (Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence). For preparation, cells were split into T175 culture flasks and grown overnight to near confluency in medium (DMEM / 10% FBS). Medium was then removed and cells washed with PBS lacking calcium and magnesium, followed by proteinase treatment with accutase (Sigma-Aldrich cat. no. A6964).
• Detached cells were washed and resuspended in assay buffer (1 x HBSS; 20 mM HEPES, 0.1 % BSA, 2 mM IBMX) and cellular density determined. They were then diluted to 400000 cells/ml and 25 ⁇ -aliquots dispensed into the wells of 96-well plates. For measurement, 25 ⁇ of test compound in assay buffer was added to the wells, followed by incubation for 30 minutes at room temperature. After addition of HTRF reagents diluted in lysis buffer (kit components), the plates were incubated for 1 hr, followed by measurennent of the fluorescence ratio at 665 / 620 nm. In vitro potency of agonists was quantified by determining the concentrations that caused 50% activation of maximal response (EC50). Bioanalytical screening method for quantification of exendin-4 derivatives in mice and pigs
• mice were dosed 1 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c). The mice were sacrified and blood samples were collected after 0.25, 0.5, 1 , 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours post application. Plasma samples were analyzed after protein precipitation via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS). PK parameters and half-life were calculated using WinonLin Version 5.2.1 (non-compartment model).
• mice Female Gottinger minipigs were dosed 0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c). Blood samples were collected after 0.25, 0.5, 1 , 2, 4, 8, 24, 32, 48, 56 and 72 hours post application. Plasma samples were analyzed after protein precipitation via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS). PK parameters and half-life were calculated using WinonLin Version 5.2.1 (non- compartment model). Enzymatic stability testing: In vitro investigation on the metabolism of exendin-4 derivatives towards human recombinant proteases trypsin, neprilysin, plasmin, and a-chymotrypsin.
• Method F AB Sciex API 4000, mass analyser: electrospray positive ion mode
• mice Female NMRI-mice of a body weight between 20 and 30 g were used. Mice were adapted to housing conditions for at least one week.
• mice were overnight fasted, while water remained available all the time. On the study day, mice were weighed, single-caged and allowed access to 500 mg of feed for 30 min, while water was removed. At the end of the 30 min feeding period, remaining feed was removed and weighed. Then, the test compound / reference compound or its vehicle in the control group was administered subcutaneously. 60 min later, to allow the compound to reach relevant plasma exposure, a coloured, non-caloric bolus was instilled via gavage into the stomach. After another 30 min, the animals were sacrificed and the stomach and the small intestine prepared. The filled stomach was weighed, emptied, carefully cleaned and dried and reweighed.
• the stomach content calculated as weight of filled subtracted by the weight of emptied stomach, indicated the degree of gastric emptying.
• the small intestine was straightened without force and measured in length. Then the distance from the gastric beginning of the gut to the tip of the farthest travelled intestinal content bolus was measured. The intestinal passage was given as ratio in percent of the latter distance and the total length of the small intestine.
• mice Female NMRI-mice of a body weight between 20 and 30 g were used. Mice were adapted to housing conditions for at least one week and for at least one day single-caged in the assessment equipment, when basal data were recorded simultaneously. On the study day, test product was administered subcutaneously close to the lights-off phase (12 h lights off) and assessment of feed consumption was directly started afterwards. Assessment included continued monitoring over 22 hours, while data are processed as mean over every 30 min. Repetition of this procedure over several days was possible. Restriction of assessment to 22 hours was for practical reasons to allow for reweighing of animals, refilling of feed and water and drug administration between procedures. Results could be assessed as cumulated data over 22 hours or differentiated to 30 min intervals. Comparable data can be obtained for both female and male mice.
• mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with vehicle solution and weighed for 3 days to acclimate them to the procedures.
• Acute effect on blood glucose in fed DIO mice initial blood samples were taken just before first administration (s.c.) of vehicle (phosphate buffer solution) or the exendin-4 derivatives at doses of 10, 30 and 100 pg/kg (dissolved in phosphate puffer), respectively. The volume of administration was 5 mL/kg. The animals had access to water and their corresponding diet during the experiment, food consumption was determined at all time points of blood sampling.
• vehicle phosphate buffer solution
• exendin-4 derivatives dissolved in phosphate puffer
• mice were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with vehicle solution and weighed for 3 days to acclimate them to the procedures.
• Subchronic effect on body weight all animals were treated once daily s.c. late afternoon, at the end of the light phase (LD 12:12) with either vehicle or exendin-4 derivatives at the above-mentioned doses for 3 weeks. Body weight was recorded daily.
• mice Female BKS.Cg-m +/+ Leprdb/J (db/db) and BKS.Cg-m +/+ Leprdb/+ (lean control) mice were obtained from Charles River Laboratories, Germany, at an age of 9 - 10 weeks. The animals were housed in groups in a specific pathogen-free barrier facility on a 12-h light/dark cycle with free access to water and rodent-standard chow.
• HbA1 c is a glycosylated form of haemoglobin whose level reflects the average level of glucose to which the erythrocyte has been exposed during its lifetime. In mice, HbA1 c is a relevant biomarker for the average blood glucose level during the preceding 4 weeks (erythrocyte life span in mouse ⁇ 47 days).
• mice 8 week old, female diabetic dbdb-mice of mean non-fasted glucose value of 14.5 mmol/l and a body weight of 37-40 g were used. Mice were individually marked and were adapted to housing conditions for at least one week.
• mice Female diabetic dbdb-mice of mean non-fasted glucose value of 20-22 mmol/l and a body weight of 42 g +/- 0.6 g (SEM) were used. Mice were individually marked and were adapted to housing conditions for at least one week.
• the solid phase synthesis was carried out on Novabiochem Rink-Amide resin (4-(2',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl-Fmoc-aminomethyl)-phenoxyacetamido- norleucylaminomethyl resin), 100-200 mesh, loading of 0.34 mmol/g.
• the Fmoc-synthesis strategy was applied with HBTU/DIPEA-activation. In position 1 Boc-Tyr(tBu)-OH and in position 14 Fmoc-Lys(ivDde)-OH was used in the solid phase synthesis protocol.
• the ivDde-group was cleaved from the peptide on resin according to a modified literature procedure (S.R.
• the solid phase synthesis was carried out on Novabiochem Rink-Amide resin (4-(2',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl-Fmoc-aminomethyl)-phenoxyacetamido- norleucylaminomethyl resin), 100-200 mesh, loading of 0.34 mmol/g.
• the Fmoc-synthesis strategy was applied with HBTU/DIPEA-activation. In position 1 Boc-Tyr(tBu)-OH and in position 14 Fmoc-Lys(ivDde)-OH was used in the solid phase synthesis protocol.
• the ivDde-group was cleaved from the peptide on resin according to a modified literature procedure (S.R.
• Potencies of peptidic compounds at the GLP-1 , GIP and glucagon receptors were determined by exposing cells expressing human glucagon receptor (hGLUC R), human GIP (hGIP R) and human GLP-1 receptor (hGLP-1 R) to the listed compounds at increasing concentrations and measuring the formed cAMP as described in Methods.
• Exendin-4 derivatives with activity at the human GIP hGIP R
• human GLP-1 receptor hGLP-1 R
• human glucagon receptor hGLUC R
• Table 7 EC50 values of exendin-4 peptide analogues at GLP-1 , GIP and Glucagon receptors (indicated in pM)
• Example 9 Effects of 4 weeks of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 10 on glucose, HbA1 c and oral glucose tolerance in female diabetic dbdb-mice (method 4)
• Female dbdb-mice received 3 and 10 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 10 or phosphate buffered saline (vehicle control) once daily, subcutaneously over four weeks.
• SEQ ID NO: 10 tended to reduce non-fasted glucose compared to vehicle control at the 10 pg/kg dose (Fig. 3).
• SEQ ID NO: 10 prevented an increase of HbA1 c in a statistical significant manner compared to vehicle control at the 10 pg/kg dose (Fig. 4; p ⁇ 0.05, 1 -way- ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's post-hoc test).
• SEQ ID NO: 10 Treatment with SEQ ID NO: 10 lead to improved oral glucose tolerance (Fig. 5; represented as normalized to 0 mmol/l at 0 min), and reduction of AUC under the glucose curve reached statistical significance at 10 pg/kg compared to vehicle control (Fig. 6; p ⁇ 0.05, 1 -way- ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's post-hoc test).
• Example 10 SEQ ID NO: 13 on glucose lowering in non-fasted female diabetic dbdb-mice
• dbdb-mice received 3 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 13 or phosphate buffered saline (vehicle control) subcutaneously, at time 0 min.
• the compound immediately lowered glucose values (baseline at 20-22 mmol/l), reaching the maximal effect of -12 mmol/l glucose reduction, at 240 min and keeping it to the end of observation at 480 min (Fig. 7).
• Example 1 1 Effect of SEQ ID NO: 10 on gastric emptying and intestinal passage in female NMRI-mice
• Female NMRI-mice weighing on average 25 - 30 g, received 1 , 10 and 100 g/kg of SEQ ID NO: 10, or phosphate buffered saline (vehicle control) subcutaneously, 30 min prior to the administration of the coloured bolus. 30 min later, the assessment of stomach contents and intestinal passage was done (Fig. 8).
• SEQ ID NO: 10 reduced intestinal passage by 28, 58 and 64% (p ⁇ 0.0001 ) and increased remaining gastric contents by 1 , 28 and 68% (p ⁇ 0.0001 versus vehicle control, 1 -W-ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's post- hoc test) respectively.
• Example 12 Effect of SEQ ID NO: 10 at 3 and 10 pg/kg on 22-hours food intake in female NMRI-mice
• Table 1 1 sequences

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