| abstract |
The invention relates to GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds with a modified N- terminus. The compounds are of the formula Chem. 1: Y-Z-P, wherein P represents a fragment of a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide lacking the two N-terminal amino acid residues; and Y-Z represents novel His-Ala mimetics. Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds are derived from human GLP-1 (7-37), exendin-4(1-39), or GLP-1 A (1-37). The invention also relates to derivatives of these compounds, in particular compounds with one or more albumin binding side chains capable of protracting the duration of action in vivo of these compounds. The peptides and derivatives of the invention have a good potency, a protracted pharmacokinetic profile, are stable against degradation by gastro intestinal enzymes, and/or have a high oral bioavailability. These properties are of importance in the development of GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds for subcutaneous, intravenous, and/or in particular oral administration. The invention also relates to intermediate products for use in the preparation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist compounds of the invention. |