Unique binding mode of Evogliptin with human dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

Evogliptin ((R)-4-((R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl)-3-(tert-butoxymethyl) piperazine-2-one)) is a highly potent selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) that was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in South Korea. In this study, we report the crystal structures of Evogliptin, DA-12166, and DA-12228 (S,R diastereomer of Evogliptin) complexed to human DPP4. Analysis of both the structures and inhibitory activities suggests that the binding of the trifluorophenyl moiety in the S pocket and the piperazine-2-one moiety have hydrophobic interactions with Phe357 in the S extensive subsite, and that the multiple hydrogen bonds made by the (R)-β-amine group in the S pocket and the contacts made by the (R)-tert-butyl group with Arg125 contribute to the high potency observed for Evogliptin.