Design and Structural Optimization of Dual FXR/PPARδ Activators

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered as severe hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has alarming global prevalence. The ligand-activated transcription factors farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ have been validated as molecular targets to counter NASH. To achieve robust therapeutic efficacy in this multifactorial pathology, combined peripheral PPARδ-mediated activity and hepatic effects of FXR activation appear as a promising multitarget approach. We have designed a minimal dual FXR/PPARδ activator scaffold by rational fusion of pharmacophores derived from selective agonists. Our dual agonist lead compound exhibited weak agonism on FXR and PPARδ and was structurally refined to a potent and balanced FXR/PPARδ activator in a computer-aided fashion. The resulting dual FXR/PPARδ modulator comprises high selectivity over related nuclear receptors and activates the two target transcription factors in native cellular settings.