Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors

Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4, also DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins, are a class of oral hypoglycemics that block DPP-4. They can be used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2.

The first agent of the class - sitagliptin - was approved by the FDA in 2006.

Glucagon increases blood glucose levels, and DPP-4 inhibitors reduce glucagon and blood glucose levels. The mechanism of DPP-4 inhibitors is to increase incretin levels (GLP-1 and GIP), which inhibit glucagon release, which in turn increases insulin secretion, decreases gastric emptying, and decreases blood glucose levels.