Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Carolyn F. Deacon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

210 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors are now widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This Review discusses the use of the five main dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors for this purpose, highlighting their benefits and risks.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been available for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus since 2006. Although they are a diverse group, DPP4i are all small, orally available molecules that interact with the catalytic site of DPP4 without disturbing any of its other known functions, including its effects on the immune system. DPP4i have no intrinsic glucose-lowering activity, so their efficacy as anti-diabetic agents is related directly to their ability to inhibit DPP4 activity and is mediated through the effects of the substrates they protect. Of these, the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1, is probably the most important. As the effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 are glucose-dependent, the risk of hypoglycaemia with DPP4i is low. Class effects, which are directly related to the mechanism of action, are common to all DPP4i; these include their overall good safety profile and tolerability, as well as their efficacy in improving glycaemic control, but also, potentially, a small increased risk of acute pancreatitis. Compound-specific effects are those related to their differing chemistries and/or pharmacokinetic profiles. These compound-specific effects could affect the way in which individual DPP4i are used therapeutically and potentially explain off-target adverse effects, such as hospitalization for heart failure, which is seen only with one DPP4i. Overall, DPP4i have a favourable therapeutic profile and are safe and effective in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology
Volume16
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)642-653
ISSN1759-5029
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1
  • DEPENDENT INSULINOTROPIC POLYPEPTIDE
  • INCRETIN-BASED DRUGS
  • BETA-CELL FUNCTION
  • IV INHIBITOR
  • DOUBLE-BLIND
  • DPP-4 INHIBITOR
  • POOLED ANALYSIS
  • RENAL IMPAIRMENT
  • ELDERLY-PATIENTS

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