Vildagliptin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) augments glucose-dependent insulin release and is a new approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Vildagliptin is a new DPP-4 inhibitor approved in many countries for the treatment of T2DM. This review provides an overview of vildagliptin with emphasis on its pharmacology and clinical effectiveness.

Areas covered: Results of preclinical and several Phase II and III studies from 2004 – 2010 are discussed.

Expert opinion: Vildagliptin acts to inhibit the breakdown of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, which in turn enhances the beta-cell response to glucose and inhibits glucagon secretion. It is an effective agent alone or in combination in patients with T2DM, resulting in modest improvements in HbA1c usually in the 0.5 – 1% range. Advantages include weight neutrality and a lesser incidence of hypoglycemia. Concerns remain regarding its use in renal disease and potential complications seen in animal models.     

Combination therapy with metformin plus vildagliptin in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is pathophysiologically characterized by a combination of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Consequently, a proper treatment of such a disease should target both of these defects. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are among the most recent additions to the therapeutic options for T2DM and are able to increase circulating levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), thus stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion.

Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the clinical results of combination therapy with metformin and the DPP-4 inhibitor vildagliptin in T2DM patients.

Expert opinion: Vildagliptin–metformin single-tablet combination is indicated for the treatment of T2DM patients not achieving a sufficient glycemic control at their maximally tolerated dose of metformin. Results from clinical trials provide evidence of vildagliptin efficacy administered in addition to metformin, as either first- or second-line treatment. The vildagliptin–metformin association seems to have favorable effects on beta-cell function and is characterized by good safety and tolerability profiles when compared with other antidiabetic agents. Of note, data available suggest that administration of fixed-dose combination products, together with the low incidence of adverse gastrointestinal events, may improve compliance and adherence of patients to therapy, resulting in an improved metabolic control.     

Incretin mimetics and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Background: Exenatide is an incretin mimetic, while sitagliptin and vildagliptin are incretin enhancers used as adjunctive therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes failing oral agents. Sitagliptin and vildagliptin can also be used as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by diet. Objective: To provide a critical review of clinical trials of exenatide, sitagliptin and vildagliptin. Method: Review of Phase III clinical trials based on Medline search published up to April 2008. Results: The use of exenatide is associated with reduction in average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of approximately 0.8% compared with baseline. The corresponding reduction with either sitagliptin or vildagliptin is 0.7%. The actions of incretin-based drugs predominantly target postprandial hyperglycemia. Treatment-related hypoglycemia is generally mild, and mainly occurs when used with sulfonylureas (SUs). Exenatide treatment leads to a mild weight loss of around 2 kg after 30 weeks, whereas sitagliptin and vildagliptin have generally neutral effect on weight. Sitagliptin and vildagliptin are well tolerated in trials lasting up to 52 weeks. Meanwhile, 5 – 10% of patients cannot tolerate exenatide due to adverse effects, mainly nausea and vomiting. The three drugs are limited by the lack of long-term safety and efficacy data, as well as by their high cost. Conclusion: Exenatide, sitagliptin and vildagliptin are useful add-on therapy for type 2 diabetes that is suboptimally controlled on oral agents, particularly when there is concern about weight gain and hypoglycemia, or when postprandial hyperglycemia is the major cause of inadequate glycemic control. Sitagliptin and vildagliptin may be used as monotherapy in patients who cannot tolerate metformin or SU, and sitagliptin may be used as alternative to metformin in renal insufficiency.     

Clinical pharmacology of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors are a class of oral antidiabetic drugs that improve glycaemic control without causing weight gain or increasing hypoglycaemic risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The eight available DPP‐4 inhibitors, including alogliptin, anagliptin, gemigliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, teneligliptin, and vildagliptin, are small molecules used orally with identical mechanism of action and similar safety profiles in patients with T2DM. DPP‐4 inhibitors may be used as monotherapy or in double or triple combination with other oral glucose‐lowering agents such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, or sulfonylureas. Although DPP‐4 inhibitors have the same mode of action, they differ by some important pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that may be clinically relevant in some patients. The main differences between the eight gliptins include: potency, target selectivity, oral bioavailability, elimination half‐life, binding to plasma proteins, metabolic pathways, formation of active metabolite(s), main excretion routes, dosage adjustment for renal and liver insufficiency, and potential drug‐drug interactions. The off‐target inhibition of selective DPP‐4 inhibitors is responsible for multiorgan toxicities such as immune dysfunction, impaired healing, and skin reactions. As a drug class, the DPP‐4 inhibitors have become accepted in clinical practice due to their excellent tolerability profile, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia, a neutral effect on body weight, and once‐daily dosing. It is unknown if DPP‐4 inhibitors can prevent disease progression. More clinical studies are needed to validate the optimal regimens of DPP‐4 inhibitors for the management of T2DM when their potential toxicities are closely monitored.     

Omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: The estimated global prevalence of diabetes mellitus for adults aged 20-70 in 2015 was 415 million with approximately 90% of diagnosed cases being Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improvements in lifestyle and effective therapies are key to management but due to the progressive nature of T2DM, pharmacotherapy is typically required. Whilst the initial therapy will usually be with metformin, thereafter treatment should be individualised, with consideration of several different second line options. These include the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, of which omarigliptin is the second once weekly version.

Areas covered: The paper summarises key pharmoacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features and reviews the efficacy and safety trial data of omarigliptin, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor.

Expert opinion: Omarigliptin results in a significant improvement in glycaemia with an effective once weekly pharmacokinetic profile and low risk of drug-drug interactions. It has equivalent efficacy to existing once daily DPP-4 inhibitors and shares a similar side effect profile. It is weight neutral with a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared with sulphonylureas. Adherence to prescribed medication is poor in patients with T2DM. Once weekly omarigliptin is a welcomed addition to the therapeutic armoury but whether it will improve compliance remains to be seen.     

Linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a drug safety evaluation

Introduction: Established treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have side effects that limit their use in specific populations. New therapies with improved safety profiles are needed, especially because of the chronic and progressive nature of T2DM.

Areas covered: This review describes the overall safety and tolerability of linagliptin – a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that improves glycemic control without increasing risk for hypoglycemia and without weight gain. Specifically, the safety of linagliptin is evaluated in difficult-to-treat patients with T2DM, in relation to risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and acute pancreatitis, and in comparison with other antihyperglycemic drugs.

Expert opinion: Linagliptin is generally well tolerated in a broad range of patient populations. It can be used in patients with renal impairment without dose titration and may be a rational alternative treatment in this vulnerable population. Ongoing long-term trials are fully evaluating the CV and renal safety profile of linagliptin.     

Use of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin in combination therapy for type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prescribed multiple medications – typically more than one for glycemic control alone, and others for the management of lipids and hypertension. Within a few years following diagnosis, many patients progress beyond an initial starting regimen of metformin and/or sulfonylurea in order to maintain glycemic control. With the broad selection of antidiabetes medications available today, the choice of which agents to add when progressing from monotherapy to combination therapy has led to much discussion on how to best tailor a treatment regimen to the individual patient's needs.

Areas covered: The aim of this paper is to review the literature describing the use of linagliptin as a component of combination therapy for the treatment of T2DM. Literature searches were conducted to retrieve articles reporting on linagliptin clinical trial data. For comparison of safety and efficacy, studies of linagliptin as monotherapy were included.

Expert opinion: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are used across all stages of treatment, from monotherapy to dual or triple therapy regimens for glycemic control. Linagliptin has been studied in combination with the most commonly used classes of antihyperglycemic medications, with demonstrated efficacy and a safety profile comparable to placebo.     

The importance of synthetic drugs for type 2 diabetes drug discovery

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major metabolic, multi-causal and heterogeneous disorder which causes significant morbidity and mortality with considerable burden to healthcare resources. The number of deaths due to T2DM highlights the insufficiency of the currently available drugs for controlling the disease and its complications and more needs to be done.

Areas covered: This paper reviews the updated pathobiology of T2DM that should be targeted in drug discovery. Further, the article provides discussion on the mechanism of action, side effects and structure of the currently available synthetic drugs. The authors specifically evaluate two newer classes of anti-diabetic agents: dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) and sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2). They also present information on newer synthetic compounds. The article also highlights the key interactions between synthetic compounds and DPP-4 active site residues for rational drug design.

Expert opinion: Numerous anti-hyperglycaemic drugs are currently available but many are limited by their adverse effects. The identification of the 3D structure of DPP-4 has opened new avenues for design, thus aiming to produce drugs that directly exploit the structural characteristics of this binding site. Further, structural- and ligand-based screening techniques have been developed for designing novel DPP-4 and SGLT2 inhibitors. There has also been progress with the design and development of novel T2DM therapeutics including: PPARα/ dual agonists, Sirtuin 1 activators, glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors. Finding new targets and synthesis methods is still essential but it is becoming accepted that no diabetic therapy is ‘best suited' with each patient responding differently.     

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 by BI-1356, a new drug for the treatment of beta-cell failure in type 2 diabetes

BI 1356, a xanthine-based DPP-4 inhibitor, has reached Phase III trials. The compound efficiently inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) in vitro and in vivo. In vivo GLP-1 levels increase to levels at or above the levels of other DPP-4 inhibitors. Preclinical trials suggest a once-daily administration of 5 mg to be efficient, long-lasting and without known side effects.     

Linagliptin,a xanthine-based dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor with an unusual profile for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Importance of the field: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease for which current treatments are often unsatisfactory with respect to achieving therapeutic goals and unwanted side effects.

Areas covered: Preclinical and clinical studies of linagliptin, a new oral antidiabetic agent, including data presented at Scientific Meetings and peer-reviewed studies published since 2007.

What the reader will gain: This article reviews pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of linagliptin. Linagliptin belongs to a new chemical class of dipeptidyl pepidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which comprise xanthine-based compounds. It is a potent, long-acting inhibitor with high selectivity for DPP-4 versus the related enzymes DPP-8 and DPP-9. The drug has modest oral availability in humans, but is absorbed rapidly to inhibit plasma DPP-4 activity by > 80% over 24 h. It is not metabolized appreciably in vivo, but binds extensively to plasma proteins, with elimination occurring primarily in the liver. Linagliptin reduces degradation of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 and is associated with reduced fasting and postprandial glucose in preclinical and clinical studies. Limited data from longer duration clinical trials show it improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Take home message: Linagliptin is a new oral antidiabetic agent associated with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, which holds promise for treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors as new therapeutic agents for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes. Incretin hormones play an important role in normal and pathological blood glucose homeostasis. The role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) in the inactivation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), one of the most important incretins, is wellestablished. Therefore, DPP IV inhibitors are investigated as new therapeutic agents for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. A summary of DPP IV inhibitors reported until 1998 and a more extensive discussion of more recent inhibitors found in literature and patent applications will be provided. The therapeutic potential of several aminoacyl pyrrolidides, aminoacyl thiazolidides and aminoacyl pyrrolidine-2-nitriles will be reviewed.     

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: comparison,efficacy and safety

Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors belong to one class of drugs that have been approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) based on the glucose-lowering actions of the gastrointestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1. Several different compounds are now available, and although their mechanism of action (inhibition of the catalytic activity of DPP-4) is the same, there are fundamental differences between them.

Areas covered: The authors discuss the differences between different DPP-4 inhibitors and review their therapeutic efficacy and key safety data. The literature covered includes original studies and meta-analyses identified in PubMed, recent abstracts presented at major diabetes scientific conferences, and clinical trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Expert opinion: Although there are some differences in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the different DPP-4 inhibitors, all are small orally active compounds with broadly similar HbA1c-lowering efficacy. They improve glycaemic control in T2D, without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia or causing weight gain. They can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic therapies, including insulin, regardless of renal or hepatic function, and are efficacious across the spectrum of patients with T2D, including those with long-standing disease duration. DPP-4 inhibitors may also have beneficial effects beyond glycaemic control, although this remains to be demonstrated in purpose-designed clinical trials.     

Evogliptin: a new dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are novel, potent oral antihyperglycemic agents that reduce degradation of endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to increase insulin secretion and satiety and decrease glucagon. DPP-4 inhibitors enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, which potentially reduces hypoglycemia risks during monotherapy or combination therapy with other antidiabetic agents. Evogliptin (Suganon^TM) is a new oral DPP-4 inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.

Areas covered: This review summarizes the collected data concerning mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of evogliptin in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional non-glycemic benefits and safety profiles of evogliptin are also discussed.

Expert opinion: Evogliptin is effective in improving glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and fasting plasma glucose without inducing hypoglycemia events, which potentially can improve adherence and prevent complications. It is also found that evogliptin has benefits on insulin secretory and β-cell functions. Based on the current clinical data, evogliptin has a neutral effect on body weight. These attributes contribute to the clinical practice in monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents.     

Alogliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a drug safety evaluation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors such as alogliptin are becoming more widely established as treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) because of their ability to improve glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. New therapies with improved safety profiles are needed, especially because of the chronic and progressive nature of T2DM.

Areas covered: In this article, the overall safety and tolerability of alogliptin are evaluated based upon a review of the literature. In particular, adverse events (AEs) that have been of interest for the DPP-4 class of drugs, such as the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events and acute pancreatitis, will be investigated in detail.

Expert opinion: Alogliptin is generally well-tolerated in a broad range of patient populations including different ethnic groups and the elderly. In the pivotal EXAMINE clinical trial, alogliptin was found not to be associated with an increased risk of major CV events or acute pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer.     

Safety evaluation of trelagliptin in the treatment of Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Introduction: Trelagliptin is a novel, long-acting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in japan. The safety and efficacy of trelagliptin has been evaluated in three published clinical trials to date: one phase II and two phase III studies. As trelagliptin only requires dosing once per week, this new agent has the potential to improve compliance and subsequently, glycaemic control, in patients with T2DM.

Areas covered: This article reviews the available safety data for trelagliptin from published clinical trials, and evaluates the published safety profile relative to competitor once-daily and once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitors.

Expert opinion: Clinical trial data to date suggest that trelagliptin is a safe and efficacious medication with a similar safety profile to once-daily DPP-4 inhibitors, and to the once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor, omarigliptin. Trelagliptin is well tolerated when given alone, and in combination with other anti-diabetic medications. An advantage of trelagliptin over existing once-daily DPP-4 inhibitors is the decrease of dosing frequency, rather than once-daily. No specific, serious adverse events have been reported for trelagliptin in published clinical trials, making it an attractive alternative to other DPP-4 inhibitors.     

二肽基肽酶4抑制剂联合二甲双胍治疗2型糖尿病的临床疗效

目的观察并初步探讨二肽基肽酶4(Dipeptidyl peptidase 4,DPP4)抑制剂西格列汀联合二甲双胍治疗2型糖尿病的临床疗效。方法选择2014年1月至2015年2月来我院就诊的63例2型糖尿病患者作为研究对象,随机分为3组。对照组单一给药二甲双胍(A组)、西格列汀(Sitagliptin)(B组),观察组(C组)给予西格列汀联合二甲双胍治疗,治疗12周后检测并观察各组总体疗效及相关生化指标。结果 C组治疗后空腹血糖(FBG)、餐后2小时血糖(2h BG)分别为(7.4±1.7)、(8.2±1.9)mmol/L,与A组、B组相比显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。C组糖化血红蛋白(Hb A1c)、体重指数(BMI)及血尿酸(UA)均较A组、B组呈下降趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 DPP4抑制剂西格列汀联合二甲双胍治疗2型糖尿病疗效显著,能够全面控制血糖,降低体重,降低血尿酸,不增加低血糖的发生,具有良好的安全耐受性,值得临床应用推广。     

Once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of omarigliptin and trelagliptin, novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors administered once-weekly (DPP-4i QW).

Methods: We systematically searched for placebo- and active-controlled randomized trials in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Results: Fifteen primary studies with 5709 participants were included. DPP-4i QW were more effective than placebo in reducing hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) ?0.63%; 95% CI ?0.80, ?0.46; I² = 84%) and had a similar glucose-lowering effect with daily DPP-4i (WMD 0.01%; ?0.08, 0.11%; I² = 34%). Omarigliptin was less effective compared with oral antidiabetic agents, other than daily DPP-4i, (WMD 0.24%; 0.10, 0.38; I² = 12%). Omarigliptin did not affect body weight (WMD versus placebo 0.60 kg; 0.25, 0.96; I² = 0%). Risk for any hypoglycemia was similar between DPP-4i QW and placebo (Odds Ratio 1.32; 0.78, 2.22; I² = 0%). Incidence of other adverse events did not differ between DPP-4i QW and control.

Conclusions: DPP-4i QW were superior to placebo and similar to daily DPP-4i in terms of glycemic control, and were not associated with any specific adverse events. There is limited comparative effectiveness evidence against other agents, while their effect on hard clinical safety outcomes is unknown.     

Acute pancreatitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are approved for use in monotherapy or in combination therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for <1 decade. However, numerous reports of DPP-4 inhibitors induced acute pancreatitis were made through the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, and this led to a revision in the prescribing information for these drugs. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate DPP-4 inhibitors induced acute pancreatitis via the spontaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting system in a medical center. In four of 2305 ADR cases, it is suspected that DPP-4 inhibitors induced moderate to serious acute pancreatitis. Beyond drugs, other factors also contribute to acute pancreatitis and affect the possibility of ADRs assessed using the Naranjo algorithm. Finally, our results indicate that the incidence of DPP-4 inhibitors induced acute pancreatitis is low.     

胰岛素联合治疗的新选择——基础胰岛素+GLP-1受体激动剂

胰岛素治疗可提高外周葡萄糖的利用率, 减少肝糖原输出, 能有效降低空腹血糖, 但往往会引起低血糖、胰岛素抵抗等不良反应。胰高血糖素样肽-1（GLP-1)受体激动剂（GLP-1RA）和二肽基肽酶-4（DPP-4）抑制剂（DPP-4I）作为治疗2型糖尿病的新型药物也越来越受到关注。此类药物能够促进内源胰岛素的分泌, 抑制胰高血糖素的分泌, 同时还可延缓胃排空时间、增加饱腹感、降低食欲, 从而有效地降低餐后血糖, 其与胰岛素联合应用, 可扬长避短, 发挥协同互补的作用, 同时降低低血糖风险。从用药前后糖化血红蛋白的变化和低血糖的发生率方面论述GLP-1RA和DPP-4I对胰岛素血糖控制不良的2型糖尿病患者的有效性和安全性,以期为临床治疗提供参考。