DPP IV inhibitors: Successes, failures and future prospects

The dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) enzyme is a novel target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Several DPP IV inhibitors are in the clinical development, since they are safe and tolerable with no increased risk of adverse events compared to placebo and have a low risk of hypoglycemia. They are flourishing as monotherapy and also in combination with commonly prescribed antidiabetic agents and are appropriate for once-daily oral dosing. However, further studies are needed to validate both long-term β-cell preservation and the role of these agents in the management of diabetes. The present review gives an inside out of the DPP IV inhibitors for its success, failure and future prospects in the treatment of diabetes and associated complication.

► Development of DPP-IV inhibitors as oral anti-diabetic drugs.
► Molecular mechanism behind the antidiabetic activity of DPP-IV inhibitor.
► Complete preclinical and clinical evidences supporting their role in the treatment of diabetes.
► Implication of DPP-IV inhibitors in treatment of neurological and CVS diseases.
► Limited human data lack the power to resolve the important safety concerns.