The highly potent and selective dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors bearing a thienopyrimidine scaffold effectively treat type 2 diabetes

► A new class of DPP-IV inhibitors were designed and synthesized. ► In this study, compound 10d was found to be more potent than Alogliptin. ► Compound 10d also exhibits good in vivo efficacy and an acceptable pharmacokinetic profile.