Novel Y-shaped barbituric acid based PPARγ activators are designed and synthesized.
Docking analysis highlights the role of ARG288 in binding affinity.
MD simulations show that BA derivatives have H-bonding patterns similar to partial agonists.
Symmetrically substituted derivatives (15 and 26) showed highest binding affinities amongst all synthesized compounds.
Y-shaped barbituric acid analogues may show desired balance in PPAR activation.