GNF4877 is a potent inhibitor of DYRK1A and GSK3β (IC50s: 6 nM and 16 nM, respectively), resulting in the blockade of nuclear export of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc) and increased β-cell proliferation.

Pancreatic beta cell:0.54 μM (EC50), GSK-3β:16 nM, Pancreatic beta cell:0.19 mM (EC50), DYRK1 cellsA:6 nM, HT22 cells:16.3 μM

Concentrations of GNF4877 (0.1 μM, 0.3 μM) well below the EC50 for β-cell proliferation are able to induce proliferation in the presence of high glucose or pharmacological activators of glucokinase. High glucose concentrations and glucokinase activators (GKAs) increase Ca2+ signaling in β-cells, and increase intracellular Ca2+ leads to activation of calcineurin and nuclear translocation of NFATc proteins. Finally, increasing intracellular Ca2+ with glibenclamide or Bay K8644 shows additive activity with GNF4877.

In double transgenic RIP-DTA male mice, GNF4877 (50 mg/kg; oral gavage; twice a day; for 15 days) treatment induces β-cell proliferation, increases β-cell mass and insulin content, and improves glycaemic control.