Design and Synthesis of Pyrimidinone and Pyrimidinedione Inhibitors of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV.

The discovery of two classes of heterocyclic dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, pyrimidinones and pyrimidinediones, is described. After a single oral dose, these potent, selective, and noncovalent inhibitors provide sustained reduction of plasma DPP-4 activity and lowering of blood glucose in animal models of diabetes. Compounds 13a, 27b, and 27j were selected for development.