Phenformin
Function
DrugBank ID:
Description:
A biguanide hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of metformin. Although it is generally considered to be associated with an unacceptably high incidence of lactic acidosis, often fatal, it is still available in some countries. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p290) [DrugBank]
Targets:
5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-1 (Humans); ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium channel 8 (Humans) [DrugBank]
Pharmacodynamics:
Used to treat diabetes, phenformin is a biguanide (contains 2 guanidino groups) hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of metformin (Glucophage). Both drugs work by (1) decreasing the absorption of glucose by the intestines, (2) decreasing the production of glucose in the liver, and by (3) increasing the body's ability to use insulin more effectively. More specifically, phenformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity. Phenformin is generally considered to be associated with an unacceptably high incidence of actic acidosis. In general biguanides should be used only in stable type II diabetics who are free of liver, kidney and cardiovascular problems and who cannot be controlled with diet. [DrugBank]
Structures
Docking in target protein
Off-target analysis based on ligand similarity (Homo sapiens)
Step 1 - Target prediction for Phenformin: SwissTargetPrediction
Tips: Click on the link to jump to the 'SwissTargetPrediction' webserver. Select the species of 'Homo sapiens', and then paste the SMILES of Phenformin in the SMILES input box.
Step 2 - Blind docking for Phenformin: CB-Dock
Tips: Click on the link to jump to the 'CB-Dock' webserver. Upload the structure file of target predicted by 'SwissTargetPrediction' and the 2D/3D structure file of Phenformin to perform blind docking.