Identification and synthesis of novel 3-alkoxy-5-phenoxy-N-thiazolyl benzamides as glucokinase activators are described. Removal of an aniline structure of the prototype lead (2a) and incorporation of an alkoxy or phenoxy substituent led to the identification of 3- Isopropoxy-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl) phenoxy]-N-(4-methyl-1, 3-thiazol-2-yl) benzamide (27e) as a novel, potent, and orally bioavailable GK activator. Rat oral glucose tolerance test ...