Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors: Pharmacological Profile and Clinical Use

IN BRIEF Sitagliptin is the first agent in a new category of medications, the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors. It was recently approved in the United States for the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes; vildagliptin, a second agent in this class, is likely to join it on the U.S. market soon. These compounds accentuate the activity of endogenously produced antihyperglyemic incretin hormones and are generally well tolerated. This article provides an overview of the pharmacology and clinical use of the DPP-IV inhibitors.