GPR120 agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: an updated patent review (2020-present).

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects over 530 million individuals globally, and is projected to reach 783 million by 2045, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies beyond current options. G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), a lipid sensor regulating insulin sensitivity and inflammation, has gained attention as a promising target.

Areas covered: This review evaluates 25 patents and peer-reviewed studies (2020-2025) on GPR120 agonists. It highlights potent thiophene derivatives (EC₅₀ < 50 nM), sulfonamides, and stable fatty acid mimetics. Special attention is given to β-arrestin-biased agonists that improve glucose control (25% AUC reduction), improve insulin sensitivity (30% glucose drop), and reduce inflammation (40% TNFα inhibition). These compounds enhance GLP-1 secretion (a 2-fold increase), offering triple therapeutic benefits for diabetes. Sources were identified through a structured search of recent scientific literature and databases.

Expert opinion: GPR120 agonists, particularly β-arrestin-biased ligands, hold significant potential for T2DM treatment by modulating glucose homeostasis and inflammation. However, challenges like receptor desensitization and translational barriers such as species-specific receptor expression, off-target activity, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics must be addressed. Future research should optimize drug design to enhance efficacy and safety, paving the way for novel metabolic disorder therapies.