Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibitors: A newly emerging drug class for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Inhibitors of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) provide a strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. DPP IV rapidly inactivates the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Inhibition of DPP IV prolongs and enhances the activity of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP, which serve as important prandial stimulators of insulin secretion and regulators of blood glucose control. In clinical trials DPP IV inhibitors (or 'gliptins') have shown efficacy and tolerability in the management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, without causing weight gain or hypoglycaemia.