Vildagliptin, previously identified as LAF237, is a new oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic drug) of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of drugs.

It is currently in clinical trials and has been shown to reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ahren B, Landin-Olsson M, Jansson PA, Svensson M, Holmes D, Schweizer A. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 reduces glycemia, sustains insulin levels, and reduces glucagon levels in type 2 diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 May;89(5):2078-84. PMID 15126524. Free Full Text.

Vildagliptin will be marketed as Galvus® and comes from the pharmaceutical giant Novartis.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4's role in blood glucose regulation is thought to be through degradation of GIPMentlein R, Gallwitz B, Schmidt WE. Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV hydrolyses gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide, peptide histidine methionine and is responsible for their degradation in human serum. Eur J Biochem. 1993 Jun 15;214(3):829-35. PMID 8100523. and the degradation of GLP-1.

See also

• CD26
• dipeptidyl peptidase 4

References