Alogliptin: a new,highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Background: Alogliptin is a potent, highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor now undergoing clinical testing to support a new drug application for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Objective: To provide an overview of the mechanism by which alogliptin reduces hyperglycemia and to summarize the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of the drug. Methods: A Medline search was conducted and abstracts and presentations from recent American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meetings were reviewed. The results of Phase II and Phase III human studies were evaluated for clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability in patients with type 2 diabetes. Results/conclusions: Alogliptin is effective as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas and insulin. It is well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of alogliptin.