SGLT inhibitors: A novel target for diabetes

Inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLT1/SGLT2), which have a key role in the absorption of glucose in the kidney and/or GI tract has been proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetes. Thus, screening and patenting of chemical compounds for SGLT1/SGLT2 gets more importance in the development of new drugs in diabetes. Several companies are developing SGLT inhibitors, some of which are now in various stages of clinical development. Some molecules in the pipeline, including dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ASP1941, BI10773, LX4211, RG7201 and TS071, are at various stages of drug development. This patent review presents the overall progress carried out in the development of SGLT inhibitors over the last decade with the active participation of various pharmaceutical companies. This class of drug is anticipated to have a large impact on diabetes field and predicting to attain a blockbuster status.