Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors: discovery and synthesis of alkyl phosphonates as potent MTP inhibitors and cholesterol lowering agents.

A series of newly synthesized phosphonate esters were evaluated for their effects on microsomal triglyceride transfer protein activity (MTP). The most potent compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit lipoprotein secretion in HepG2 cells and to affect VLDL secretion in rats. These inhibitors were also found to lower serum cholesterol levels in a hamster model upon oral dosing.