Potential role of linagliptin as an oral once-daily treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background

Linagliptin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent that selectively inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Inhibition of DPP-4 increases the levels of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide by preventing their degradation.

Objective

We reviewed the role of linagliptin as an oral once-daily treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using the term “linagliptin.” Original research articles and review articles were included in our examination.

Results

Linagliptin has a similar mode of action as other gliptins, with comparable efficacy, safety profile, and tolerability. Differences in pharmacokinetic parameters that distinguish linagliptin from other gliptins include that linagliptin is not renally excreted and does not require dose reduction with renal impairment.

Conclusion

Linagliptin is an oral, once-daily, antihyperglycemic agent that significantly reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs in people with type 2 diabetes. Pharmacokinetics, such as the lack of renal excretion, distinguishes linagliptin from other gliptins.

Keywords:

• DPP-4 inhibitors
• linagliptin
• type 2 diabetes

Disclosure

Lene Hoimark and Torben Laursen disclose no conflicts of interest. Jørgen Rungby has received consultancy fees from Boehringer-Ingelheim and other producers of DPP-4 inhibitors.