Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sitagliptin, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, in healthy subjects: results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with single oral doses

BACKGROUND: Sitagliptin (MK-0431 [(2R)-4-oxo-4-(3-[trifluoromethyl]-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazin-7[8H]-yl)-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butan-2-amine]) is an orally active, potent, and selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) currently in phase III development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, alternating-panel studies evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single oral doses of sitagliptin (1.5-600 mg) in healthy male volunteers. RESULTS: Sitagliptin was well absorbed (approximately 80% excreted unchanged in the urine) with an apparent terminal half-life ranging from 8 to 14 hours. Renal clearance of sitagliptin averaged 388 mL/min and was largely uninfluenced by the dose administered. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve for sitagliptin increased in an approximately dose-dependent manner and was not meaningfully influenced by food. Single doses of sitagliptin markedly and dose-dependently inhibited plasma DPP-IV activity, with approximately 80% or greater inhibition of DPP-IV activity occurring at 50 mg or greater over a 12-hour period and at 100 mg or greater over a 24-hour period. Compared with placebo, sitagliptin produced an approximately 2-fold increase in postmeal active glucagon-like peptide 1 levels. Sitagliptin was well tolerated and was not associated with hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proof of pharmacologic characteristics for sitagliptin in humans. By inhibiting plasma DPP-IV activity, sitagliptin increases the postprandial rise in active glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations without causing hypoglycemia in normoglycemic healthy male volunteers. Sitagliptin possesses pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics that support a once-daily dosing regimen.