1,5-dideoxy-1,5-[[2-[4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenoxy]ethyl]imino]-D-glucitol

Emiglitate (BAY O 1248), another deoxynojirimycin analogue is characterized by at least five-fold higher inhibitory potency than acarbose and additionally shows a long-lasting inhibitory effect. In animal studies emiglitate was still active up to 17 h after a single oral administration due to its pharmacokinetic behavior (formation of an active metabolite). Both miglitol and emiglitate differ in their pharmacokinetic behavior from acarbose, which is poorly absorbed (1 – 2 %). The deoxynojirimycin derivatives are structurally related to monosaccharides and will be absorbed in the jejunum.

Emiglitate (BAY o 1248) is a potent, selective and competitive inhibitor of α-glucoside hydrolase.

[1] Mosén H, et al. Nitric oxide inhibits, and carbon monoxide activates, islet acid alpha-glucoside hydrolase activitiesin parallel with glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. J Endocrinol. 2006 Sep;190(3):681-93. DOI:10.1677/joe.1.06890
[2] Lembcke B, et al. Lysosomal storage of glycogen as a sequel of alpha-glucosidase inhibition by the absorbed deoxynojirimycin derivative emiglitate (BAYo1248). A drug-induced pattern of hepatic glycogen storage mimicking Pompe's disease (glycogenosis type II). Res Exp Med (Berl). 1991;191(6):389-404. DOI:10.1007/BF02576694