Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: Comparative analysis of members of the group

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4) is a new class of hypoglycemic drugs developed based on the knowledge of incretin physiology acquired in the 21st century. Currently, five members of this group are in use three of which are available on the Russian market. The hypoglycemic effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors is due to reduction of fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia without a rise in the body weight and acceptable profile of side effects. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors differ in terms of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics which implies different indications and duration of their use in different groups of patients as well as different character of their drug interaction. This paper compares three dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, viz. vildagliptin, sitagliptin, and saxagliptin.