Abstract: The present invention addresses substituted cyanothiophene derivatives of the formula I: 1

Abstract: Substituted 4-hydroxy-2-furoic acids are obtained by the fermentation of an asterriquinone, which is a natural product having a 2,5-dioxy-3,6-bis(indolyl)quinone structure. The compounds modulate insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity and may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and other diseases or conditions characterized by impaired endogenous insulin production or an impaired response to endogenous insulin.

Abstract: Substituted 4-hydroxy-2-furoic acids are obtained by the fermentation of an asterriquinone, which is a natural product having a 2,5-dioxy-3,6-bis(indolyl)quinone structure. The compounds modulate insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity and may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and other diseases or conditions characterized by impaired endogenous insulin production or an impaired response to endogenous insulin.

Abstract: Compounds which are antagonists of strong PPAR-gamma agonists, such as rosiglitazone, and are also partial agonists of the PPAR-gamma receptor, are active agents for correcting or reducing obesity. For example, 1-(p-chlorobenzyl)-5-chloro-3-thiophenylindole-2-carboxylic acid, is characterized as being a potent and selective ligand for PPAR-gamma which has partial agonist (<30% maximal effects relative to rosiglitazone) and antagonist activity in cell-free and cell-based assays for the PPAR-gamma receptor. The compound is a potent agent for reducing obesity and insulin resistance in fat-fed C57BL/6J mice. This compound and other PPAR-gamma antagonists/partial agonists and pharmaceutically acceptable salts are effective in the treatment of obesity and/or diabetes and/or insulin resistance.