SRT2104, also known as GSK2245840, is a novel, first in class, highly selective small molecule activator of the NAD + dependent deacetylase SIRT1. SIRT1 has been suggested as putative therapeutic target in multiple age-related diseases including type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemias. SRT2104 in the phase II of clinical trial to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and psoriasis also in the phase I for its use in case of colitis. Also was reported, that we report that SRT2104, penetrated the blood-brain barrier, attenuated brain atrophy, improved motor function, and extended survival in a mouse model of Huntington's disease.

PF-04620110 is an orally active, selective and potent DGAT1 (Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1) inhibitor that inhibits triacylglycerol synthesis in cells and in rodents. PF-04620110 inhibits DGAT-1 with an IC50 of 19 nM and shows high selectivity versus a broad panel of off-target pharmacologic end points. In vivo DGAT-1 inhibition has been demonstrated through reduction of plasma triglyceride levels in rodents at doses of ≥0.1 mg/kg following a lipid challenge. On the basis of this pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile, PF-04620110 has been advanced to human clinical studies. PF-4620110 had been in phase I clinical trials by Pfizer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. But this research was discontinued in 2011.

DBPR-108 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable dipeptide-derived inhibitor of DPP4 with IC50 of 15 nM; no inhibition on DDP8 and DPP9, which is in phase I clinical trial as a potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Avelestat, also known as AZD9668, is a novel, oral inhibitor of neutrophil elastase (NE), an enzyme implicated in the signs, symptoms, and disease progression in NE-driven respiratory diseases such as bronchiectasis, Cystic Fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via its role in the inflammatory process, mucus overproduction, and lung tissue damage. Its development was discontinued due to unknown reasons. Nevertheless, this drug in the phase II of clinical trial as adjunctive therapy in improving insulin sensitivity of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic subjects. The drug's clinical profile suggests that it will be well tolerated with few, if any, side effects, and the existence of simple methods that can indirectly measure its activity in vivo.

GSK1292263 (GSK263) (5-[({1-[3-(1-methylethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-4-piperidinyl}methyl)oxy]-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]pyridine) is a potent and selective agonist at the rodent and human GPR119 receptors that was discovered at GlaxoSmithKline. It has a pEC50 = 6.8 for human, rat and mouse GPR119 receptors expressed in an in vitro reporter assay, and a pEC50 = 8.5 for the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion from GLUTag cells. Like other GPR119 agonists, GSK1292263 increases glucose-sensitive insulin secretion, improves glucose tolerance and enhances the secretion of gut hormones in normal rats. GSK1292263 has finished Phase II clinical trial for Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2.

Ragaglitazar (DRF 2725, NNC 61-0029) is phenoxazine analog of phenyl propanoic acid having dual (PPARα and PPARγ) agonist property intended to restore insulin sensitivity and correct diabetic dyslipidemia. PPAR-α is highly expressed in liver and muscle and upon activation leads to decreases in plasma triglycerides and increases in HDL cholesterol levels. PPAR-γ activation leads to enhancement of glucose uptake in skeletal muscles and adipose tissue. Ragaglitazar provided the glycemic control that was comparable with that of pioglitazone and, compared with placebo, provided a significant improvement in the lipid profile.

Ruboxistaurin is an orally bioavailable, selective, potent inhibitor of protein kinase C β developed for treating diabetic retinopathy. In vitro and in vivo non-clinical models have demonstrated that Ruboxistaurin decreases PKC β activity and ameliorates many of the effects of PKC β on pathologic processes in the retina. Ruboxistaurin prevents the slowing of retinal blood flow that is observed by fluorescein video angiography in the eyes of diabetic rats. It is also reported to cause regression of retinal neovascularization produced by laser-induced major branch vein occlusions in a porcine model. Ruboxistaurin positively affected the diabetes-induced retinal blood flow abnormalities in a Phase Ib study in diabetic patients. Ruboxistaurin is in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and diabetic macular edema. Eli Lilly had submitted Ruboxistaurin for approval in the US and the EU; however, the company subsequently discontinued development as it was unable to demonstrate sufficient efficacy

Edaglitazone have a clear PPAR-gamma agonist profile, with predominant PPAR-gamma activity and little PPAR-alpha activity. Edaglitazone was reported to significantly improve insulin sensitivity and enhance the rate of glucose oxidation in both the presence and absence of insulin. Additional studies have shown that edaglitazone affects muscle glucose metabolism by additional mechanisms other than PPAR-gamma activation. Phase I clinical studies have revealed that edaglitazone is well-tolerated and capable of significantly improving glucose homeostasis. Edaglitazone had been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment if type 2 diabetes. However, this research has been discontinued.

Muraglitazar previously known as BMS-298585 has been identified as a non-thiazolidinedione dual agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma. Muraglitazar is currently in clinical trial phase III development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Etomoxir is an irreversible inhibitor of carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase (CPT) I. It inhibits fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in an enantiomer-selective manner: only the R-enantiomer of etomoxir inhibits fatty acid oxidation, S-enantiomer inhibits fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis but not fatty acid oxidation. Etomoxir was studied for the treatment of congestive heart failure and type II diabetes, however, its development was discontinued.