GSK137647A is a selective agonist of the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1), also known as GPR40. Its primary application lies in the research of type 2 diabetes mellitus, where it serves as a tool compound to study insulin secretion mechanisms. Activation of FFA1 by GSK137647A enhances glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, making it valuable in exploring new therapeutic pathways for improving glycemic control. It has been used in preclinical studies to validate FFA1 as a drug target for antidiabetic agents, particularly those aiming to modulate insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, which may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Its selectivity and potency make it suitable for pharmacological profiling and structure-activity relationship studies in drug discovery programs targeting metabolic diseases.