Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • C07K14/575—Hormones
  • C07K14/605—Glucagons
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
  • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • A61K38/22—Hormones
  • A61K38/26—Glucagons
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K45/00—Medicinal preparations containing active ingredients not provided for in groups A61K31/00 - A61K41/00
  • A61K45/06—Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
  • A61P1/16—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system for liver or gallbladder disorders, e.g. hepatoprotective agents, cholagogues, litholytics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
  • A61P3/04—Anorexiants; Antiobesity agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
  • A61P3/08—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis
  • A61P3/10—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis for hyperglycaemia, e.g. antidiabetics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
  • A61P9/10—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system for treating ischaemic or atherosclerotic diseases, e.g. antianginal drugs, coronary vasodilators, drugs for myocardial infarction, retinopathy, cerebrovascula insufficiency, renal arteriosclerosis
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
  • A61P9/12—Antihypertensives

Definitions

• the present invention relates to dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonists and their medical use, for example in the treatment of disorders of the metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and obesity, as well as for reduction of excess food intake.
• These dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonists show reduced activity on the GIP receptor to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. They are structurally derived from exendin-4 and show high solubility and stability under acidic conditions in the presence of antimicrobial preservatives like m-cresol or phenol which makes them especially suited for combinations with other antidiabetic compounds.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists such as GLP-1 , liraglutide and exendin-4
• FPG and PPG fasting and postprandial glucose
• GLP-1 (7-36)-amide The amino acid sequence of GLP-1 (7-36)-amide is shown as SEQ ID NO: 1 .
• Liraglutide is a marketed chemically modified GLP-1 analog in which, among other modifications, a fatty acid is linked to a lysine in position 20 leading to a prolonged duration of action (Drucker et al, Nat. Rev. Drug Disc. 2010, 9, 267-268, ; Buse et al., Lancet 2009, 374, 39-47).
• Liraglutide is shown as SEQ ID NO: 2.
• 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 as SEQ ID NO: 3.
• glucagon During 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. Recent publications suggest that glucagon has in addition beneficial effects on reduction of body fat mass, reduction of food intake, and increase of energy expenditure (see e.g. Heppner et al., Physiology & Behavior 2010, 100, 545-548).
• 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 et al. Gastroenterology 2007, 132, 2131-2157).
• GIP's amino acid sequence is shown as SEQ ID NO: 5. YAEGTFISDYSIAMDKIHQQDFVNWLLAQKGKKNDWKHNITQ-OH
• Exendin-4 is a 39 amino acid peptide which is produced by the salivary glands of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) (Eng et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1992, 267, 7402- 7405). Exendin-4 is an activator of the GLP-1 receptor, whereas it shows low activation of the GIP receptor and does not activate the glucagon receptor (see Table 1).
• Table 1 Potencies of exendin-4 at human GLP-1 , GIP and Glucagon receptors (indicated in p ) at increasing concentrations and measuring the formed cAMP as described in Methods.
• exendin-4 The amino acid sequence of exendin-4 is shown as SEQ ID NO: 4. HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLF1EWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2
• Exendin-4 shares many of the glucoregulatory actions observed with GLP- . Clinical and nonclinical 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 et al., Diabetes Obes Metab., 2009, 11 , 544-556; Norris et al, Diabet Med., 2009, 26, 837-846; Bunck et al, Diabetes Care.,2011 , 34, 2041-2047).
• exendin-4 is resistant to cleavage by 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 et al., Endocrinology, 2009, 150(4), 1712-1722). Nevertheless, exendin-4 is chemically labile due to methionine oxidation in position 14 (Hargrove et al., Regul. Pept, 2007, 141 , 113-119) as well as deamidation and isomerization of asparagine in position 28 (WO 2004/035623).
• Bloom et al. disclose that peptides which bind and activate both the glucagon and the GLP-1 receptor can be constructed as hybrid molecules from glucagon and exendin-4, where the N-terminal part (e.g. residues 1-14 or 1-24) originates from glucagon and the C-terminal part (e.g. residues 15-39 or 25-39) originates from exendin-4.
• Such peptides comprise glucagon's amino acid motif YSKY in positions 10-13.
• Krstenansky et al show the importance of these residues 10- 3 of glucagon for its receptor interactions and activation of adenylate cyclase.
• residues Tyr10 and Tyr13 which are known to contribute to the fibrillation of glucagon (JS Pedersen et al., Biochemistry, 2006, 45, 14503-14512) are replaced by Leu in position 10 and Gin, a non-aromatic polar amino acid, in position 13.
• This replacement especially in combination with isoleucine in position 23 and glutamate in position 24, leads to exendin-4 derivatives with potentially improved biophysical properties as solubility or aggregation behaviour in solution.
• the non- conservative replacement of an aromatic amino acid with a polar amino acid in position 13 of an exendin-4 analogue leads to peptides with high activity on the glucagon receptor, keeping their activity on the GLP-1 receptor (see also WO
• Native exendin-4 is a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist without activity on the glucagon receptor and low activity on the GIP receptor.
• exendin-4 derivatives based on the structure of native exendin-4 but differing at fourteen or more positions as compared to SEQ ID NO: 4 wherein the differences contribute to the enhancement of the agonistic activity at the glucagon receptor.
• substitutions - methionine at position 14 is replaced by an amino acid carrying a - NH 2 group in the side-chain, which is further substituted by a lipophilic residue (e.g. a fatty acid combined with a linker).
• the invention provides a peptidic compound having the formula (I): H 2 N-His-Aib-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-X14-Asp-Glu-Gln- Arg-Ala-Lys-Leu-Phe-lle-Glu-Trp-Leu-Aib-X28-X29-Gly-Pro-Pro-Ser-Aib-Lys- Pro-Pro-Pro-Lys-R 1 (I) wherein
• X14 represents an amino acid residue with a functionalized -NH 2 side chain group, selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, Dab, or Dap, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by -Z-C(0)-R 5 , wherein
• R 5 is a moiety comprising up to 50 carbon atoms and heteroatoms selected from N and O,
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Lys and Ser,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from D-Ala and Gly,
• R 1 is NH 2 or OH
• the compounds of the invention are GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonists as determined by the observation that they are capable of stimulating intracellular cAMP formation in the assay system described in Methods.
• the compounds of the invention exhibit at least a relative activity of 0.1 % (i.e. EC 50 ⁇ 700 pM), more preferably of 1 % (i.e. EC 50 ⁇ 70 pM), more preferably of 5% (i.e. EC 50 ⁇ 14 pM) and even more preferably of 10% (i.e. EC 50 ⁇ 7 pM) compared to that of GLP-1 (7-36)amide at the GLP-1 receptor.
• the compounds exhibit at least a relative activity of 0.1 % (i.e. EC 5 o ⁇ 500 pM), more preferably of 0.25% (i.e. EC 50 ⁇ 200 pM) and even more preferably of 0.5% (i.e. EC 5 o ⁇ 100 pM) compared to that of natural glucagon at the glucagon receptor.
• the peptidic compound has a relative activity of at least 0.09% compared to that of natural glucagon at the glucagon receptor.
• the peptidic compound has a relative activity of at least 0.1 % compared to that of GLP1(7-36)-amide at the GLP-1 receptor.
• the term "activity” as used herein preferably refers to the capability of a compound to activate the human GLP-1 receptor and the human glucagon receptor. More preferably the term “activity” as used herein refers to the capability of a compound to stimulate intracellular cAMP formation.
• the term "relative activity” as used herein 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 (e.g. by measuring the cAMP level) is determined as described herein, e.g. as described in Example 5.
• the compounds of the invention preferably have an EC50 for hGLP-1 receptor of 450 pmol or less, preferably of 200 pmol or less, more preferably of 100 pmol or less, more preferably of 50 pmol or less, more preferably of 25 pmol or less, more preferably of 10 pmol or less, more preferably of 8 pmol or less, and more preferably of 5 pmol or less and/or an EC 50 for hGlucagon receptor of 500 pmol or less, preferably of 300 pmol or less, more preferably of 200 pmol or less, more preferably of 50 pmol or less, more preferably of 100 pmol or less, more preferably of 75 pmol or less and/or an EC 50 for hGIP receptor of 750 pmol or more, preferably of 1500 pmol or more; more preferably of 2000 pmol or more.
• the EC 50 for both hGLP-1 and hGlucagon receptors is 250 pm or less, more preferably of 200 pmol or less, more preferably of 150 pmol or less, more preferably of 00 pmol or less, more preferably of 75 pmol or less.
• the EC 50 for the hGLP-1 receptor, the hGlucagon receptor and the hGIP receptor may be determined as described in the Methods herein and as used to generate the results described in Example 5, Table 5.
• the compounds of the invention have a high solubility at acidic and/or physiological pH values in the presence of an antimicrobial preservative like phenol or m-cresol, e.g., at an acidity range from pH 4 to 5, especially pH 4.5 and/or a more physiological range from pH 6 to 8, especially at pH 7.4 at 25°C or 40°C, in another embodiment at least 1 mg/ml and in a particular embodiment at least 5 mg/ml.
• an antimicrobial preservative like phenol or m-cresol
• the compounds of the invention preferably have a high stability when stored in solution in the presence of an antimicrobial preservative like phenol or m- cresol.
• Preferred assay conditions for determining the stability is storage for 7 days at 25°C or 40°C in solution at an acidity range from pH 4 to 5, especially pH 4.5 and/or a more physiological range from pH 6 to 8, especially at pH 7.4
• the stability of peptide is determined by chromatographic analyses as described in the Methods.
• the purity loss is no more than 20%, more preferably no more than 15%, even more preferably no more than 10% and even more preferably no more than 5%.
• the compounds of the invention show a hydrodynamic diameter of 10 nm or less at concentrations of ⁇ 7mg/ml in the presence of an antimicrobial preservative like phenol or m-cresol, e.g., at an acidity range from pH 4 to 5, especially pH 4.5 and/or a more physiological range from pH 6 to 8, especially at pH 7.4. at 25°C as assayed by dynamic light scattering as described in Methods.
• an antimicrobial preservative like phenol or m-cresol
• the compounds of the present invention comprise a peptide moiety which is a linear sequence of 39 amino carboxylic acids, particularly a-amino carboxylic acids linked by peptide, i.e. carboxamide bonds.
• R 1 is NH 2 .
• the -NH 2 side chain group at position X14 is functionalized by -Z-C(0)-R 5 , wherein R 5 is a moiety comprising up to 50 carbon atoms and optionally one or more heteroatoms independently selected from N and O.
• R 5 is a moiety comprising up to 50 carbon atoms and optionally one or more heteroatoms independently selected from N and O.
• Specific preferred examples for -Z-C(0)-R 5 groups are listed in the following Table 2, which are selected from
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized with a group -Z-C(0)R 5 , wherein
• Z represents a group selected from gGlu, gGlu-gGlu, AEEAc-AEEAc-gGlu and AE EAc-AE EAc-AEEAc and
• R 5 represents a group selected from pentadecanyl or heptadecanyl.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)-
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala and Lys
• X29 represents Gly
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-,
• X28 represents Ala
• X29 represents Gly
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Ser and Lys,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and D-Ala
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)- butyryl-, (2- ⁇ 2-[2-(2- ⁇ 2-[(4S)-4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino]- ethoxy ⁇ -ethoxy)-acetylamino]-ethoxy ⁇ -ethoxy)-acetyl-, (2- ⁇ 2-[2-[2-(2- ⁇ 2-[(4S)-4--
• X28 represents Ala
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from D-Ala and Gly,
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)-
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from D-Ala and Gly,
• R 1 represents NH 2 , or a salt or solvate thereof.
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, (S)-
• X28 represents Lys
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from D-Ala and Gly,
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Lys and Ser,
• X29 represents D-Ala
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X 4 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-octadecanoylamino- butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)- butyryl-, (2- ⁇ 2-[2-(2- ⁇ 2-[(4S)-4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino]- ethoxy ⁇ -ethoxy)-acetylamino]-ethoxy ⁇ -ethoxy)-acetyl-, (2- ⁇ 2-[2-[2-(2- ⁇ 2-[(4S)-4--
• X28 represents an amino acid residue selected from Ala, Lys and Ser,
• X29 represents Gly
• R 1 represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein X1 represents Lys wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, X28 represents Ala,
• X29 represents an amino acid residue selected from Gly and D-Ala
• R represents NH 2
• a further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4- octadecanoylamino-butyryl-, (S)-4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4- hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-,
• a still further embodiment relates to a group of compounds of formula (I), wherein
• X14 represents Lys, wherein the -NH 2 side chain group is functionalized by (S)- 4-Carboxy-4-((S)-4-carboxy-4-hexadecanoylamino-butyrylamino)-butyryl-, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• Specific examples of peptidic compounds of formula (I) are the compounds of SEQ ID NO: 6-17, as well as salts or solvates thereof.
• peptidic compounds of formula (I) are the compounds of SEQ ID NO: 6 and 7 as well as salts or solvates thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 6, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 7, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 8, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 9, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 10, or a salt or solvate thereof.
• the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 11 , or a salt or solvate thereof. According to another particular embodiment, the compound of the invention is represented by SEQ ID NO.: 15, or a salt or solvate 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 compound of formula (I) for use in medicine, particularly human medicine.
• the compound of formula (I) is for use as a pharmaceutical.
• 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 agents, e.g. in gene therapy.
• the compounds of formula (I) are suitable for therapeutic application without an additional therapeutically effective agent. In other embodiments, however, the compounds may be 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,
• IGT impaired glucose tolerance
• dyslipidemia coronary heart disease, hepatic steatosis, treatment of beta-blocker poisoning, use for inhibition of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
• gastrointestinal tract using techniques such as X-ray, CT- and NMR-scanning.
• 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
• 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, pri
• 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) amyloidosis (primary systemic amyloidosis), AH (heavy chain) amyloidosis, AA (secondary) amyloidosis, aortic medial amyloidosis, ApoAI amyloidosis,
• amino acid sequences of the present invention contain the conventional one letter and three letter codes for naturally occurring amino acids, as well as generally accepted three letter codes for other amino acids, such as Aib (a-aminoisobutyric acid).
• Aib a-aminoisobutyric acid.
• the term answeringnative exendin-4" refers to native exendin-4 having the sequence
• HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 4).
• 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 amino carboxylic acids.
• references to a servingposition within peptidic moiety (I) 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.
• An amino acid residue with an -NH 2 side chain group e.g. Lys, Orn, Dab or Dap, is functionalized in that at least one H atom of the -NH2 side chain group is replaced by -Z-C(0)-R 5 , wherein R 5 comprises a lipophilic moiety, e.g. an acyclic linear or branched (C8-C30) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, which is
• halogen F, CI, Br, J
• -OH and/or C0 2 H and Z comprises a linker in all stereoisomeric forms, e.g. a linker comprising one or more, e.g. 1 to 5, preferably 1 , 2 or 3 amino acid linker groups selected from the group gamma-Glutamate (gGlu) and AEEAc (amino-ethoxy-ethoxy-acetyl).
• Preferred groups R 5 comprise a lipophilic moiety, e.g. an acyclic linear or branched (C12-C20) saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, e.g.
• amino acid linker groups are selected from gGlu, gGlu-gGlu, AEEAc-AEEAc-gGlu and AEEAc-AEEAc-AEEAc.
• amino acid linker group is gGlu.
• amino acid linker group is gGlu-gGlu.
• amino acid linker group is AEEAc-AEEAc-gGlu.
• the amino acid linker group is AE EAc-AE EAc-AE EAc.
• 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 in the specification.
• the invention further provides a method for treating a condition as described herein, the method comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I).
• the invention also provides a composition wherein the composition is a
• 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.
• 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 or with a preformed dipeptide, tripeptide or tetrapeptide in the order represented by the peptide sequence using appropriate amide coupling reagents, for example BOP, HBTU, HATU or DIC ( ⁇ , ⁇ '-diisopropylcarbodiimide) / HOBt (1-hydroxybenzotriazole), 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• the side chain (as described in table 2) can be introduced together with the lysine during peptide synthesis using the a prefunctionalized building block, e.g.
• the use of this building block has the technical advantage that no selective deprotection step is necessary and that selective attachment of the side chain building blocks on a very advanced synthesis intermediate can be avoided.
• 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
• the term “potency” or “in vitro potency” is a measure for the ability of a compound to activate the receptors for GLP- , glucagon or GIP 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.
• Therapeutic uses EC50 value
• 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.
• 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.
• the most common types of diabetes are: (1) type 1 diabetes, where the body fails to produce insulin; (2) type 2 diabetes (T2DM), 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.
• macrovascular disease arising from atherosclerosis of larger blood vessels
• microvascular disease arising from damage of small blood vessels.
• macrovascular disease conditions are ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
• 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 , GIP 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.
• 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.
• GIP-receptor mediated signaling could be impaired in patients with T2DM but GIP-action is shown to be reversible and can be restored with improvement of the diabetic status.
• GIP receptor antagonist Pro3GIP also prevented obesity and insulin resistance in mice (Gault et al., Diabetologia. 2007, 50,1752-62). Therefore, goal of this invention was to provide dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonists with reduced activity on the GIP receptor.
• 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 extra-hepatic tissues such as kidney, heart, adipocytes, lymphoblasts, brain, retina, adrenal gland and
• 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 pre-formed 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 (see Pocai, Molecular Metabolism 2013; 3:241 -51).
• GLP-1 is known for its 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, it is conceivable that a combination of the activities of the two hormones in one molecule can yield a powerful medication for treatment of the metabolic syndrome and in particular its components diabetes and obesity.
• the compounds of the invention may be used for treatment of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, increased fasting glucose (hyperglycemia), 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.
• the compounds of the invention are agonists for the receptors for GLP-1 and for glucagon (e.g. "dual agonists") with reduced activity on the GIP receptor and may provide therapeutic benefit to address a clinical need for targeting the metabolic syndrome by allowing simultaneous treatment of diabetes and 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.
• diseases to be treated are neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, or other degenerative diseases as described above.
• the compounds are useful in the treatment or prevention of hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity. In one preferred embodiment, the compounds are useful in the treatment of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• the compounds of the invention have the ability to reduce the intestinal passage, 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 compounds of the invention have the ability to reduce blood glucose level, and/or to reduce HbA1c 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 and in Example 7.
• the compounds of the invention 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
• the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of hepatosteatosis, preferably non-alcoholic liver-disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• NAFLD non-alcoholic liver-disease
• NASH non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
• 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 DPP4 or NEP), which results in a longer duration of action in vivo. Therefore, the pure GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 might serve as good starting scaffold to obtain exendin-4 analogues with dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonism.
• exendin-4 has been shown to be chemically labile due to methionine oxidation in position 14 as well as deamidation and isomerization of asparagine in position 28. Therefore, stability might be further improved by
• 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
• 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.
• a pharmaceutical composition which comprises at least one compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate of any of them.
• exendin-4 peptide derivatives of the present invention are administered in conjunction with an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier, diluent, or excipient as part of a pharmaceutical composition.
• an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier diluent, or excipient as part of a pharmaceutical composition.
• solvates of the compounds of general formula (I) in conjunction with an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier, diluent, or excipient as part of a pharmaceutical composition are also encompassed.
• a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is a carrier which is physiologically
• 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, m-cresol), 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, m-cresol
• 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, preferably acetate.
• 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. A. R. Gennaro A. R., 2000, Lippencott Williams & Wilkins or in
• 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.
• terapéuticaally 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. For example the
• terapéuticaally effective amount of a compound of the formula (I) is about 0.01 to 50 mg/dose, preferably 0.02 to 1 mg/dose.
• compositions of the invention are those suitable for parenteral (for example subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal or intravenous), 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.
• application is parenteral, e.g. subcutaneous.
• the corresponding formulations could be favorable for the corresponding formulations to include at least one antimicrobial preservative in order to inhibit the growth of microbes and bacteria between administrations.
• Preferred preservatives are benzylic alcohol or phenolic compounds like phenol or m-cresol. It has been described that these ingredients can induce aggregation for peptides and proteins leading to lower solubility and stability in the formulation (see R. L. Bis et al., Int. J. Pharm. 472, 356-361 , 2014; T. J. Kamerzell, Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., 63, 1118-1159, 2011).
• 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 non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. It may be provided in single or multiple dose injectable form, for example in the form of a pen.
• the 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 2015, e.g. with all weight-reducing agents or appetite suppressants mentioned in the Rote Liste 20 5, chapter , all lipid-lowering agents mentioned in the Rote Liste 2015, chapter 58, all
• 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. Most of the active ingredients mentioned hereinafter are disclosed in the USP Dictionary of USAN and International Drug Names, US Pharmacopeia, Rockville 2011.
• 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.
• the invention relates to a combination of a peptidic compound of formula (I) with at least one additional therapeutically active agent.
• Certain embodiments are directed to a pharmaceutical composition
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I) or a physiological acceptable salt or solvate of any of them and at least one additional pharmaceutically active ingredient.
• Therapeutic agents which are suitable for combinations with compounds of formula (I) of the present invention include, for example, antidiabetic agents such as: insulin and insulin derivatives (insulinic compounds), for example: glargine / Lantus ® , 270 - 330U/mL of insulin glargine (EP 2387989 A ), 300U/mL of insulin glargine (Toujeo ® ; EP 2387989 A), ⁇ PS lnsulin-115, 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
• 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 (recombinant exendin-4), CJC-1134-PC, PB-1023, TTP- 054, efpeglenatide / HM-11260C, 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
• GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues may optionally also be bound to a polymer.
• DPP-4 also referred to as DDP-IV or dipeptidylpeptidase IV
• DDP-IV dipeptidylpeptidase IV inhibitors
• alogliptin / Nesina Trajenta / linagliptin / BI-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 sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, for example: Invokana / canaglifozin, Forxiga / dapagliflozin, remoglifozin, sergliflozin, empagliflozin, ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin, luseogliflozin, LX-4211 , ertuglifozin / PF-04971729, RO- 4998452, EGT-0001442, KGA-3235 / DSP-3235, LIK066, SB -TFC-039; dual SGLT2/SGLT1 inhibitors; biguanides (e.g. metformin, buformin, phenformin), thiazolidinediones (e.g.
• biguanides e.g. metformin, buformin, phenformin
• thiazolidinediones e.g.
• glibenclamide glimepiride/Amaryl, glipizide
• meglitinides e.g. nateglinide, repaglinide, mitiglinide
• alpha-glucosidase inhibitors e.g. acarbose, miglitol, voglibose
• amylin and amylin analogues e.g. pramlintide, Symlin
• GPR 19 G protein-coupled receptor 119 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), GPR120 agonists, GPR142 agonists, systemic or low-absorbable TGR5 (transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5) agonists.
• GSK-263A 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
• GPR120 agonists e.g. fasiglif
• Cycloset bromocriptine mesylate
• inhibitors of 11-beta-HSD 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 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 diacylglycerol acyltransferase; e.g. LCQ-908
• inhibitors of protein tyrosine- phosphatase 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 (C-C motif receptor 2) antagonists, SGLT-1 inhibitors (e.g. LX-276 ), modulators of glucose transporter- 4, somatostatin receptor 3 agonists.
• CCR-2 C-C motif receptor 2
• SGLT-1 inhibitors e.g. LX-276
• One or more lipid lowering agents are also suitable as combination partners, such as for example: HMG-CoA(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A)-reductase inhibitors (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin), fibrates (e.g. bezafibrate, fenofibrate), nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof (e.g. niacin), nicotinic acid receptor 1 agonists, PPAR(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor)-(alpha, gamma or alpha/gamma) agonists or modulators (e.g.
• HMG-CoA(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A)-reductase inhibitors e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin
• fibrates e.g. bezafibrate, fenofibrate
• nicotinic acid and the derivatives thereof
• PPAR-delta agonists PPAR-delta agonists
• ACAT acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitors
• avasimibe acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitors
• cholesterol absorption inhibitors e.g. ezetimibe
• bile acid-binding substances e.g.
• cholestyramine ileal bile acid transport (IBAT) inhibitors
• MTP microsomal triglyceride transfer protein
• PCSK9 proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
• LDL (low density lipoprotein) receptor up-regulators by liver selective thyroid hormone receptor ⁇ agonists, HDL (high density lipoprotein)-raising compounds such as: CETP inhibitors (e.g. torcetrapib, anacetrapid, dalcetrapid, evacetrapid, JTT-302, DRL-17822, TA-8995) or ABC1 regulators; lipid metabolism modulators; PLA2 inhibitors, ApoA-l (apolipoprotein A1) enhancers, thyroid hormone receptor agonists, cholesterol synthesis inhibitors, omega-3 fatty acids and derivatives thereof.
• CETP inhibitors e.g. torcetrapib, anacetrapid, dalcetrapid, evacetrapid, JTT-302, DRL-17822, TA-8995
• ABC1 regulators lipid metabolism modulators
• PLA2 inhibitors e.g. torcetrapib, anacetrapid, dalcetrapid, evacetrapid, JTT-302, DRL-
• Suitable combination partners are one or more active substances for the treatment of obesity, such as for example: sibutramine, tesofensine, orlistat
• tetrahydrolipstatin antagonists of the cannabinoid-1 receptor
• MCH-1 melanin- concentrating hormone 1
• MC4 melanocortin 4 receptor agonists and partial agonists
• NPY5 neuropeptide Y 5
• NPY2 antagonists e.g. velneperit
• NPY4 agonists beta-3-agonists
• leptin or leptin mimetics agonists of the 5HT2c receptor
• lorcaserin or the combinations of bupropione/naltrexone (CONTRAVE), bupropione/zonisamide (EMPATIC), bupropione/phentermine or pramlintide/metreleptin, or phentermine/topiramate (QNEXA).
• CONTRAVE bupropione/naltrexone
• EMPATIC bupropione/zonisamide
• QNEXA phentermine/topiramate
• gastrointestinal peptides such as Peptide YY 3-36 (PYY3-36) or analogues thereof, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or analogues thereof,
• glucagon receptor agonists or antagonists GIP receptor agonists or antagonists, dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, dual GLP-1/glucagon agonists, ghrelin antagonists or inverse agonists, xenin and analogues thereof.
• lipase inhibitors lipase inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, H3 antagonists, AgRP (Agouti-related protein) inhibitors, triple monoamine uptake inhibitors (norepinephrine and
• Me ⁇ AP2 methionine aminopeptidase type 2 inhibitors
• nasal formulation of the calcium channel blocker diltiazem antisense molecules against production of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4, prohibitin targeting peptide-1 .
• angiotensin II receptor antagonists e.g.
• telmisartan candesartan, valsartan, losartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, tasosartan, azilsartan), ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, ECE
• antagonists centrally acting hypertensives, antagonists of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor, inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase, thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors and others or combinations thereof are suitable.
• 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.
• 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.
• the invention relates to a method for treating a condition as described herein, the method comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) and an effective amount of at least one other compound useful for treating diabetes, dyslipidemia or high blood pressure.
• the condition is selected from hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as combinations thereof.
• the at least one other compound useful for treating diabetes, dyslipidemia or high blood pressure is selected from the exemplary antidiabetic agents, lipid lowering agents, active substances for the treatment of obesity, gastrointestinal peptides, and drugs for influencing high blood pressure, chronic heart failure or atherosclerosis listed above.
• the effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) and the additional active ingredient may be administered to the patient simultaneously or in the alternative, sequentially.
• FIG. 1 Body weight development during 4 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7, 50 ⁇ g/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BIJ6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 2 Relative body weight change in % during 4 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7, 50Mg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 3 Determination of total fat mass measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), two days before and after 4 weeks of treatment with SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7, 50pg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
• Figure 4 Acute effect of s.c. administration of compound SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7 50pg/kg on blood glucose in female high-fat fed C57BU6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• FIG. 5a Body weight development during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10, 50pg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 5b Body weight development during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 15, 5Q ⁇ g/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 6a Relative body weight change in % during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10, 50pg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 6b Relative body weight change in % during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 15, 50pg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 7a Acute effect of s.c. administration of compounds SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10 50pg/kg on blood glucose in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 7b Acute effect of s.c. administration of compounds SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 15 50 ⁇ g/kg on blood glucose in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice. Data are mean+SEM.
• Figure 8a Daily food consumption during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10, 50Mg/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice.
• Figure 8b Daily food consumption during 2 weeks of subcutaneous treatment with SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 15, 50 ig/kg bid in female high-fat fed C57BL/6 mice.
• 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 0.2-0.7 mmol/g.
• Fmoc protected natural amino acids were purchased from Protein Technologies Inc., Senn Chemicals, Merck Biosciences, Novabiochem, Iris Biotech, Bachem, Chem- Impex International or MATRIX Innovation. 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-
• building blocks (2S)-6-[[(4S)-5-tert-butoxy-4-[[(4S)-5-tert-butoxy-4- (hexadecanoylamino)-5-oxo-pentanoyl]amino]-5-oxo-pentanoyl]amino]-2-(9H-fluoren- 9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)hexanoic acid and Boc-L-His(Trt)-Aib-OH were applied. Both building blocks were synthesized separately. A synthesis description is given under EXAMPLES.
• 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.
• 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., 1998, 39, 1603), using 4% hydrazine hydrate in DMF.
• the Mmt group was removed by repeated treatment with 1 % TFA in dichloromethane.
• 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. All the peptides that have been synthesized were cleaved from the resin with King's cleavage cocktail consisting of 82.5% TFA, 5% phenol, 5% water, 5% thioanisole, 2.5% EDT. The crude peptides were then precipitated in diethyl or diisopropyl ether, centrifuged, and lyophilized. Peptides were analyzed by analytical HPLC and checked by ESI mass spectrometry. Crude peptides were purified by a conventional preparative RP-HPLC purification procedure.
• the ⁇ -amino group of lysine used as branching point or modification point was deprotected by using 2.5% hydrazine hydrate in DMF for 15 min x 2 and washed with DMF/DCM/DMF (6:6:6 time each).
• the ⁇ -carboxyl end of glutamic acid was attached to the ⁇ -amino group of Lys using Fmoc-Glu(OH)-OtBu with DIC/HOBt method (5 equivalent excess with respect to resin loading) in DMF.
• the mixture was rotated on a rotor at room temperature for 2 h.
• the resin was filtered and washed with DMF/DCM/DMF (6x30 ml each).
• the Fmoc group on the glutamic acid was de-protected by treating it twice with 20% (v/v) piperidine/DMF solution for 5 and 15 min (25 ml each). The resin was washed with DMF/ DCM/DMF (6:6:6 time each). A Kaiser test on peptide resin aliquot upon completion of Fmoc-deprotection was positive.
• a second Fmoc- Glu(OH)-OtBu used for the attachment to the free amino group of y-glutamic acid with DIC/HOBt method (5 equivalent excess with respect to resin loading) in DMF.
• the mixture was rotated on a rotor at room temperature for 2 h.
• Resin was filtered and washed with DMF/ DCM/DMF (6x30 ml each).
• the Fmoc group on the ⁇ - glutamic acid was de-protected by treating it twice with 20% (v/v) piperidine/DMF solution for 5 and 15 min (25 mL).
• the resin was washed with DMF/ DCM/DMF (6:6:6 time each).
• a Kaiser test on peptide resin aliquot upon completion of Fmoc- deprotection was positive.
• Palmitic acid and stearic acid attachment to side chains of glutamic acid Palmitic acid and stearic acid attachment to side chains of glutamic acid:
• the peptidyl resin synthesized by manual synthesis was washed with DCM (6x10 ml), MeOH (6x10 ml) and ether (6x10 ml) and dried in vacuum desiccators overnight.
• the cleavage of the peptide from the solid support was achieved by treating the peptide-resin with reagent cocktail (80.0% TFA / 5% thioanisole/5% phenol/ 2.5 % EDT, 2.5 % DMS and 5 % DCM) at room temperature for 3 h. Cleavage mixture was collected by filtration and the resin was washed with TFA (2 ml) and DCM (2 x 5 ml).
• buffer A H 2 O+0.1 %TFA
• buffer B ACN+0.1 %TFA (flow 1 ml/min)
• buffer B gradient: Equilibration of the column with 2 % buffer B and elution by a gradient of 2% to 70% buffer B during 15 min.
• the crude peptides were purified either on an Akta Purifier System, a Jasco semiprep HPLC System or a Agilent 1100 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 + 0.1 % TFA (B) and water + 0.1% TFA (A) were employed as eluents. Product-containing fractions were collected and lyophilized to obtain the purified product, typically as TFA salt.
• the target concentration was 10mg pure compound/ml.
• solutions from solid samples were prepared in two different buffer systems with a concentration of 10mg/mL compound based on the previously determined %purity: a) Acetate Buffer pH 4.5, 100mM sodium acetate trihydrate, 2.7mg/ml m-cresol b) Phosphate Buffer pH 7.4, 100mM sodium hydrogen phosphate, 2.7mg/ml m-cresol
• UPLC-UV was performed after 2 hours of gentle agitation from the supernatant, which was obtained after 20min of centrifugation at 3000 RCF (relative centrifugal acceleration).
• the solubility was determined by the comparison of the UV peak area of 2 ⁇ _- injection of a buffered sample diluted 1 :10 with a standard curve.
• the standards are dilutions (by injecting various volumes ranging from 0.2 - 2 ⁇ ) of the DMSO stock solution of the peptide at a concentration of 1.2mg/mL (based on %purity).
• the sample also served as starting point (tO) for the stability testing.
• %remaining peptide [(peak area peptide t7) / (peak area peptide t0)] * 100%.
• DLS Dynamic Light Scattering
• Dynamic Light Scattering measures light scattered from particles based on Brownian motion, the interaction of particles with solvent molecules.
• a focused laser light beam is used to illuminate the liquid sample and the time dependent, scattered light intensity fluctuations are recorded and correlated.
• the first order result from a DLS experiment is an intensity distribution of particle sizes.
• the intensity distribution is naturally weighted according to the scattering intensity of each particle fraction or family.
• the particle scattering intensity is proportional to the square of the molecular weight.
• the mean hydrodynamic diameter of the particles present in the sample is directly related to the rate of change of scattered light intensity and is calculated using the Stokes-Einstein relationship.
• the polydispersity index is a measure of the broadness of the size distribution and is calculated by standard methods described in IS013321 : 1996 and IS022412:2008.
• Method A DLS measurements were performed on a W130i apparatus (Avid Nano Ltd, High Wycombe, UK) and using a low-volume disposable cuvette (UVette, Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). The data were processed with i-Size 3.0 provided by Avid Nano. Hydrodynamic radii were determined with non-negatively constrained least squares (NNLS) methods using DynaLS algorithms. Measurements were taken at an angle of 90°.
• NLS non-negatively constrained least squares
• Method B DLS measurements were performed on a Nanosizer ZS (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) and using disposible UV cuvettes (Brand macro , 2,5 mL and Brand semi-micro 1 ,5 mL, Brand GmbH + Co KG, Wertheim, Germany). The data were processed with Malvern Zetasizer software Version 7.10 or 7.01.
• Hydrodynamic radii were determined with non-negatively constrained least squares (NNLS) methods. Measurements were taken in NIBS (Non-Invasive Back-Scatter) mode at an angle of 73°.
• NLS non-negatively constrained least squares
• Method C DLS measurements were performed on a DynaPro Plate Reader II (Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, CA, US) and using a low volume, non-treated, black polystyrene 384 assay plate with clear bottom (Corning, NY, US). The data were processed with Dynamics V 7.1.9.3 provided by Wyatt Technology.
• Hydrodynamic radii were determined with non-negatively constrained least squares (NNLS) methods using Dynals algorithms. Measurements were taken with an 830 nm laser light source at an angle of 158°.
• NLS non-negatively constrained least squares
• Agonism of compounds for the receptors was determined by functional assays measuring cAMP response of HEK-293 cell lines stably expressing human GLP- , GIP or glucagon receptor.
• cAMP content of cells was determined using a kit from Cisbio Corp. (cat. no.
• 62AM4PEJ based on HTRF (Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence).
• HTRF Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence
• 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.
• test compound in assay buffer was added to the wells, followed by incubation for 30 minutes at room temperature.
• HTRF reagents diluted in lysis buffer (kit components)
• the plates were incubated for 1 hr, followed by measurement of the fluorescence ratio at 665 / 616 nm.
• In vitro potency of agonists was quantified by determining the concentrations that caused 50% activation of maximal response (EC50).
• 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 0.05 mg/kg, 0.075 mg/kg or 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). Gastric emptying and intestinal passage in mice
• mice Female NMRI-mice of a body weight between 20 and 30 g are used. Mice are adapted to housing conditions for at least one week. Mice are overnight fasted, while water remains available all the time. On the study day, mice are weighed, single-caged and allowed access to 500 mg of feed for 30 min, while water is removed. At the end of the 30 min feeding period, remaining feed is removed and weighed. 60 min later, a coloured, non-caloric bolus is instilled via gavage into the stomach. The test compound / reference compound or its vehicle in the control group is administered subcutaneously, to reach Cmax when coloured bolus is administered. After another 30 min, the animals are sacrificed and the stomach and the small intestine prepared.
• the filled stomach is weighed, emptied, carefully cleaned and dried and reweighed.
• the calculated stomach content indicates the degree of gastric emptying.
• the small intestine is 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 is measured.
• the intestinal passage is given as relation 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 are used. Mice are adapted to housing conditions for at least one week and for at least one day single- caged in the assessment equipment, when basal data are recorded simultaneously. On the study day, test product is administered subcutaneously close to the lights-off phase (12 h lights off) and assessment of feed consumption is directly started afterwards. Assessment included continued monitoring (every 30 min) over 22 hours. Repetition of this procedure over several days is possible. Restriction of assessment to 22 hours is for practical reasons to allow for reweighing of animals, refilling of feed and water and drug administration between procedures. Results can be assessed as cumulated data over 22 hours or differentiated to 30 min intervals.
• s.c. subcutaneously
• mice are treated twice daily s.c. in the morning and in the evening, respectively, at the beginning and the end of the light phase with either vehicle or exendin-4 derivatives for 4 weeks. Body weight is recorded daily. Two days before start of treatment and on day 26, total fat mass is measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
• NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
• mice Female diabetic dbdb-mice of mean non-fasted glucose value of 10-30 mmol/l and a body weight of 35-50 g are used. Mice are individually marked and are adapted to housing conditions for at least one week.
• mice 7 days prior to study start, baseline values for non-fasted glucose and HbAl c are determined, 5 days prior to study start, mice are assigned to groups and cages (5 mice per cage, 10 per group) according to their HbAlc values to ensure even distribution of lower and higher values between groups (stratification).
• mice are treated for 4 weeks, by twice daily subcutaneous administration in the morning and the afternoon. Blood samples from the tail tip are obtained for HbAlc on study day 21 and oral glucose tolerance is assessed in the 4th week.
• mice Female diabetic dbdb-mice of mean non-fasted glucose value of 20-30 mmol/l and a body weight of 35-50 g are used. Mice are individually marked and are adapted to housing conditions for at least one week.
• administration feed is removed while water remains available, and a first blood sample at a tail incision is drawn (baseline). Further blood samples are drawn at the tail incision at 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, 360, and 480 min.
• Statistical analyses are performed with Everstat Version 6.0 based on SAS by 2-way- ANOVA on repeated measures, followed by Dunnett's post-hoc test against vehicle- control. Differences are considered statistically significant at the p ⁇ 0.05 level.
• Palm-gGlu-gGlu-OSu was coupled to the liberated amino-group employing DIPEA as base.
• the peptide was cleaved from the resin with King's cocktail (D. S. King, C. G. Fields, G. B. Fields, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 1990, 36, 255-266).
• the crude product was purified via preparative HPLC on a Waters column (XBridge, BEH130, Prep C18 5 ⁇ ) using an acetonitrile/water gradient (both buffers with 0,1 % TFA).
• the purified peptide was analysed by LCMS (Method A).
• Palm-gGlu-gGlu-OSu was coupled to the liberated amino-group employing DIPEA as base.
• the peptide was cleaved from the resin with King's cocktail (D. S. King, C. G. Fields, G. B. Fields, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 1990, 36, 255-266).
• the crude product was purified via preparative HPLC on a Waters column (XBridge, BEH130, Prep C18 5 ⁇ ) using an acetonitrile/water gradient (both buffers with 0,1 % TFA).
• the purified peptide was analysed by LCMS (Method A).
• Examples 3a and 3b Alternative synthesis of SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO. 7.
• Example 3 a Synthesis of building block (2S)-6-[[(4S)-5-tert-butoxy-4-[[(4S)-5-tert- butoxy-4-(hexadecanoylamino)-5-oxo-pentanoyl]amino]-5-oxo-pentanoyl]amino]-2- (9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)hexanoic acid
• Fmoc-Lys-OH were suspended in 100ml of ethyl acetate and 13ml of ethyldiisopropyl amine were added. Both parts were combined followed by the addition of further ethyl acetate (50ml) and stirred at room temperature. After 3h of stirring an extra of 5ml ethyldiisopropyl amine were added. The suspension was stirred for 20h. The suspension was filtered and extracted 2 times with 200ml of 10% citric acid solution each followed by one extraction with 200ml of brine. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate. Sodium sulfate was filtered off and the solution evaporated to dryness.
• Boc-L-His(Trt)-OH 2.5g were suspended in 25ml of ethylacetate and 1.55g of H- Aib-OBzl x HCI and 2,3g of HBTU were added followed by 2,6ml of N-ethylmorpholin. Suspension was stirred for 4.5h. Mixture was then extracted three times with 20ml of a 8% sodium bicarbonate solution followed by one wash with water. Phases were separated and the organic layer dried over sodium sulfate. After removal of the drying agent the solution was evaporated to dryness and 4.5g of a yellow oil were obtained consisting of Boc-L-His(Trt)-Aib-OBzl with a purity of >90%.
• Boc-L-His(Trt)-Aib-OBzl were dissolved in 30ml THF and 3ml of ethylacetate. 0.43g of the hydrogenation catalyst Pd/C (5%) were added and the compound is hydrogenated at 30°C for 2h at atmospheric hydrogen pressure using a balloon. The catalyst is filtered off and washed with 30ml of ethylacetate. The solution was stirred for several hours until precipitation occurs. Precipitate is filtered off and dried under vacuum to obtain 2.45g of Boc-L-His(Trt)-Aib-OH.
• the solid phase synthesis as described in methods was carried out on Agilent Rink- Amide resin 4-[(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl) (Fmoc-amino)methyl]phenoxy acetamido methyl resin with a loading of 0,27mmol/g.
• the Fmoc-synthesis strategy was applied with HBTU/DIPEA activation.
• Example 3b Synthesis of SEQ ID NO: 7 with building block (2S)-6-[[(4S)-5-tert- butoxy-4-[[(4S)-5-tert-butoxy-4-(hexadecanoylamino)-5-oxo-pentanoyl]amino]-5-oxo- pentanoyl]amino]-2-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonylamino)hexanoic acid and with building block Boc-L-His(Trt)-Aib-OH
• the solid phase synthesis as described in methods was carried out on Agilent Rink- Amide resin 4-[(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl) (Fmoc-amino)methyl]phenoxy acetamido methyl resin with a loading of
• Potencies of peptidic compounds at the GLP-1 , glucagon and GIP receptors were determined by exposing cells expressing human glucagon receptor (hGlucagon R), human GIP receptor (hGIP-R) or human GLP-1 receptor (hGLP-1 R) to the listed compounds at increasing concentrations and measuring the formed cAMP as described in Methods.
• inventive exendin-4 derivatives carrying an Aib amino acid in positions 27 and 34, Pro at position 32 and Lys at position 35 and 39 has been tested versus corresponding compounds having in these positions the amino acid residues of native exendin-4 (Lys27, Ser32, Gly34, Ala35, Ser39) and otherwise identical amino acid sequence.
• the reference pair compounds and the corresponding EC50 values at GLP-1 , Glucagon and GIP receptors (indicated in pM) are given in Table 6.
• the inventive exendin-4 derivatives show a reduced activity on the GIP receptor compared to the corresponding derivatives carrying the amino acids as in native exendin-4, keeping their GLP-1 R activity. Table 6.
• exendin-4 derivatives carrying an Aib amino acid in positions 27 and 34, Pro at position 32 and Lys at position 35 and 39 vs. exendin-4 derivatives comprising at these positions the amino acid residues of native exendin-4 (Lys27, Ser32, Gly34, Ala35, Ser39) and otherwise identical amino acid sequence.
• EC50 values at GLP-1 , Glucagon and GIP receptors are indicated in pM.
• Example 7 Acute and chronic effects of SEQ ID NO: 6 and of SEQ ID NO: 7 after subcutaneous treatment on blood glucose and body weight in female diet-induced obese (DIP) C57BL/6 mice
• mice After blood sampling to determine the blood glucose baseline level, fed diet-induced obese female C57BL/6 mice were administered 50 g kg of SEQ ID NO: 6, 50 lg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 7 or phosphate buffered solution (vehicle control on standard or high- fat diet) subcutaneously. At predefined time points, more blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and generate the blood glucose profile over 24 h.
• mice Female obese C57BL/6 mice were treated for 4 weeks twice daily subcutaneously with 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 6, 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 7 or vehicle. Body weight was recorded daily, and body fat content was determined before the start and after 4 weeks of treatment.
• Treatment with 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 6 showed a statistically significant decrease when compared to vehicle DIO control mice in daily body weight beginning on day 7 and continuing through the end of the study (p ⁇ 0.0001 by the end of the study).
• Treatment with 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 7 reduced body weight significantly when compared to vehicle DIO control mice beginning on day 5 and continuing through the end of the study (p ⁇ 0.0001 by the end of the study, Table 7, Fig. 1 and 2).
• Example 8 Acute and chronic effects of SEQ ID NO: 8.
• SEQ ID NO: 9. SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11 and SEQ ID NO: 15 after subcutaneous treatment on blood glucose and body weight in female diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice 1) Glucose profile
• mice After blood sampling to determine the blood glucose baseline level, fed diet-induced obese female C57BL/6 mice were administered 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 8, 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 9, 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 10 (Fig. 7a), 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 11 , 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 15 (Fig. 7b) or phosphate buffered solution (vehicle control on standard or high-fat diet) subcutaneously. At predefined time points, more blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and generate the blood glucose profile over 24 h.
• mice Female obese C57BL/6 mice were treated for 2 weeks twice daily subcutaneously with 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 8, 50 pg/kg SEQ ID NO: 9 and 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 10 or vehicle (Fig. 5a and 6a) and 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 11 and 50 pg/kg of SEQ ID NO: 15 or vehicle (Fig. 5b and 6b), respectively.

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