The Sound of Evolution
Vildagliptin
Mechanism of action:
Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is an enzyme responsible for degrading incretins, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. When vildagliptin inhibits DPP-4, incretins are less readily degraded, their blood concentrations and duration of action are prolonged, incretin-mediated insulin secretion signaling is increased, and glucagon secretion signaling is reduced.
Reference(s):
1. Balas B et al. (2007). The dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor vildagliptin suppresses endogenous glucose production and enhances islet function after single-dose administration in type 2 diabetic patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2. Croxtall JD et al. (2008). Vildagliptin: a review of its use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Drugs.
3. Ahren B et al. (2007). DPP-4 inhibitors. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab.