SW016789 is a potent high-secretion inducer targeting VDAC1, which directly stimulates insulin secretion and calcium ion influx in β cells. It transiently induces endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) without causing β cell death. The response it triggers is reversible and non-apoptotic, making SW016789 useful for studying β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

SW016789 (5 μM; 0-24 h) initially boosts glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the span of 1-2 hours, yet impairs β cell function with extended exposure (4-24 h) in MIN6 cells. However, SW016789 (5 μM; 24-72 h) does not compromise beta cell viability or induce apoptosis in these cells. At 5 μM for 24 hours, SW016789 enhances nutrient-stimulated Ca 2+ influx, resulting in excessive secretion. VDAC1 is identified as a pharmacological target for inducing insulin hypersecretion in both mouse MIN6 cells and human EndoC-βH1 cells.