Mechanism of action of inhibitors of dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4)

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors inhibit the degradation of the incretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). The first available DPP-4 inhibitors are sitagliptin and vildagliptin. These compounds are orally active and have been shown to be efficacious and well tolerated. Two additional DPP-4 inhibitors are under review, and there are several others in clinical development. This article gives an overview on the mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitors and focuses on their development and their important physiological actions with regard to the treatment of type 2 diabetes.