Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

MK-6072

MK-6072 is a glucokinase activator that enhances glucose sensing and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.

MK-6072 is a glucokinase activator that enhances glucose sensing and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Glucokinase activators work by increasing the catalytic activity of glucokinase, an enzyme that acts as a glucose sensor in pancreatic beta cells. By enhancing glucokinase activity, MK-6072 promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion, thereby improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This mechanism is glucose-dependent, meaning insulin is released primarily when blood glucose is elevated, potentially reducing hypoglycemia risk.

Approved indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Common side effects

• Hypoglycemia
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Bezlotoxumab (MK-6072) Versus Placebo in Children With Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) (MK-6072-001) (PHASE3)
• A Study of MK-3415, MK-6072, and MK-3415A in Participants Receiving Antibiotic Therapy for Clostridium Difficile Infection (MK-3415A-001) (PHASE3)
• A Study of MK-6072 and MK-3415A in Participants Receiving Antibiotic Therapy for Clostridium Difficile Infection (MK-3415A-002) (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• MK-6072 CI brief — competitive landscape report
• MK-6072 updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI