Developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals in the early 1980s, it is considered the prototypical compound for the thiazolidinedione class.

[1][2][3][4] Ciglitazone was never used as a medication, but it sparked interest in the effects of thiazolidinediones.

[2] Ciglitazone significantly decreases VEGF production by human granulosa cells in an in vitro study, and may potentially be used in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Ciglitazone is active in vivo as an anti-hyperglycemic agent in the ob/ob murine model.

[6] Inhibits HUVEC differentiation and angiogenesis and also stimulates adipogenesis and decreases osteoblastogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells.