Last reviewed · How we verify

sitagliptin and acarbose

Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · FDA-approved active Small molecule

sitagliptin and acarbose is a DPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination Small molecule drug developed by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University. It is currently FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This combination reduces blood glucose by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) to increase incretin levels and slowing carbohydrate digestion via alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

This combination reduces blood glucose by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) to increase incretin levels and slowing carbohydrate digestion via alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

At a glance

Generic namesitagliptin and acarbose
SponsorNanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Drug classDPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination
TargetDPP-4 enzyme; alpha-glucosidase enzymes
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDiabetes
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that prolongs the action of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion in response to meals. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that delays carbohydrate breakdown and absorption in the small intestine, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Together, they provide complementary mechanisms to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.

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

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about sitagliptin and acarbose

What is sitagliptin and acarbose?

sitagliptin and acarbose is a DPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination drug developed by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

How does sitagliptin and acarbose work?

This combination reduces blood glucose by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) to increase incretin levels and slowing carbohydrate digestion via alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

What is sitagliptin and acarbose used for?

sitagliptin and acarbose is indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Who makes sitagliptin and acarbose?

sitagliptin and acarbose is developed and marketed by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University (see full Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University pipeline at /company/nanjing-first-hospital-nanjing-medical-university).

What drug class is sitagliptin and acarbose in?

sitagliptin and acarbose belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination class. See all DPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination drugs at /class/dpp-4-inhibitor-alpha-glucosidase-inhibitor-combination.

What development phase is sitagliptin and acarbose in?

sitagliptin and acarbose is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of sitagliptin and acarbose?

Common side effects of sitagliptin and acarbose include Gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal discomfort), Hypoglycemia, Headache, Nasopharyngitis.

What does sitagliptin and acarbose target?

sitagliptin and acarbose targets DPP-4 enzyme; alpha-glucosidase enzymes and is a DPP-4 inhibitor + alpha-glucosidase inhibitor combination.

Related