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Saxagliptin, Onglyza

AstraZeneca · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is a DPP-4 inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by AstraZeneca. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also known as: Onglyza.

Saxagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), prolonging the activity of incretin hormones to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon in response to meals.

Saxagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), prolonging the activity of incretin hormones to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon in response to meals. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At a glance

Generic nameSaxagliptin, Onglyza
Also known asOnglyza
SponsorAstraZeneca
Drug classDPP-4 inhibitor
TargetDPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDiabetes
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

By blocking DPP-4, saxagliptin prevents the degradation of GLP-1 and GIP, incretin hormones that stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release and suppress glucagon secretion. This mechanism lowers postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes without causing hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy, since insulin secretion is glucose-dependent.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Saxagliptin, Onglyza

What is Saxagliptin, Onglyza?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is a DPP-4 inhibitor drug developed by AstraZeneca, indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How does Saxagliptin, Onglyza work?

Saxagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), prolonging the activity of incretin hormones to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon in response to meals.

What is Saxagliptin, Onglyza used for?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Who makes Saxagliptin, Onglyza?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is developed by AstraZeneca (see full AstraZeneca pipeline at /company/astrazeneca).

Is Saxagliptin, Onglyza also known as anything else?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is also known as Onglyza.

What drug class is Saxagliptin, Onglyza in?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor class. See all DPP-4 inhibitor drugs at /class/dpp-4-inhibitor.

What development phase is Saxagliptin, Onglyza in?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Saxagliptin, Onglyza?

Common side effects of Saxagliptin, Onglyza include Nasopharyngitis, Urinary tract infection, Headache, Upper respiratory tract infection, Hypoglycemia (when combined with other agents).

What does Saxagliptin, Onglyza target?

Saxagliptin, Onglyza targets DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) and is a DPP-4 inhibitor.

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