Evogliptin: a new dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are novel, potent oral antihyperglycemic agents that reduce degradation of endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to increase insulin secretion and satiety and decrease glucagon. DPP-4 inhibitors enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, which potentially reduces hypoglycemia risks during monotherapy or combination therapy with other antidiabetic agents. Evogliptin (Suganon(TM)) is a new oral DPP-4 inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.

AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the collected data concerning mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of evogliptin in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional non-glycemic benefits and safety profiles of evogliptin are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION: Evogliptin is effective in improving glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose without inducing hypoglycemia events, which potentially can improve adherence and prevent complications. It is also found that evogliptin has benefits on insulin secretory and β-cell functions. Based on the current clinical data, evogliptin has a neutral effect on body weight. These attributes contribute to the clinical practice in monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents.