MK-0767, a novel dual PPARalpha/gamma agonist, displays robust antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Here, we characterize the actions of MK-0767, a dual ligand of the nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha and PPARgamma. In cell-based assays, MK-0767 produced potent activation of human PPARgamma and PPARalpha with a gamma:alpha potency ratio of approximately 2. The dual agonist induced high affinity interactions of PPARalpha and PPARgamma with the transcriptional coactivator CBP in vitro. In ob/ob mice, MK-0767 normalized hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia with equal or greater potency and efficacy than pioglitazone. Treatment of hamsters with MK-0767 produced substantial reductions in blood cholesterol and triglycerides. In dogs, MK-0767 reduced serum cholesterol levels with a potency more than 10-fold greater than simvastatin. The efficacies of MK-0767 and simvastatin were additive when given together. We conclude that MK-0767 is a potent dual PPARalpha/gamma agonist with robust insulin sensitizing and hypolipidemic activities.