Tesaglitazar, a dihydro cinnamate derivative (AZ 242), is a dual agonist of PPARα and γ that demonstrates IC50 values of 1 and 0.2 µM, respectively. It has been investigated its potential to address disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug had completed several phase III clinical trials, however in May, 2006 AstraZeneca announced that it had discontinued further development. Following analysis and interpretation of recently obtained results from the first four of eight phase 3 clinical trials (GALLANT 6,7,8 and 9) and one phase 2 trial (ARMOR), which were reviewed in consultation with external experts, the company considers that the overall benefit/risk profile is unlikely to offer patients significant advantage over currently available therapy. Central to the decision is data showing elevations in serum creatinine and an associated decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The magnitude of the serum creatinine elevation was greater than anticipated based on earlier clinical studies. Such elevations reversed towards baseline upon stopping treatment with the drug and have not been associated with kidney toxicity.