11 heterocycles were synthesized to improve the lipophilicity of TAK-875.
The methyl group in our thiazole core occupied a crucial hydrophobic subpocket.
The agonistic activity revealed a good correlation with the dihedral angle.
class="boldFont">44 revealed lower risk of liver toxicity compared with TAK-875.
class="boldFont">44 showed lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to first-line drug glibenclamide.