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Sitagliptin (Januvia)
Sitagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones, thereby increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon in response to meals.
Sitagliptin inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones, thereby increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon in response to meals. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sitagliptin (Januvia) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Januvia |
| Sponsor | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) |
| Drug class | DPP-4 inhibitor |
| Target | DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By blocking DPP-4, sitagliptin prolongs the activity of GLP-1 and GIP, incretin hormones that stimulate insulin release when blood glucose rises. This mechanism is glucose-dependent, meaning it primarily works when blood sugar is elevated, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. The drug improves glycemic control without causing weight gain and is generally well-tolerated.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Nasopharyngitis
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Hypoglycemia (when combined with other agents)
- Pancreatitis
Key clinical trials
- The Role of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Incretin Secretion (PHASE1)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Semaglutide vs Sitagliptin Among Individuals With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (STEP-HFpEF DM ORAL)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Two Initial Combination Therapies in Patients With Recent Onset Diabetes (PHASE3)
- Metformin, Empagliflozin With Sitagliptin vs Linagliptin in Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE4)
- Effect of Dapagliflozin vs Sitagliptin on Liver Fat Accumulation and Body Composition in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Liver Transplantation (NA)
- Dose Optimization of Sitagliptin and Duloxetine in Diabetic Cirrhosis (PHASE4)
- Comparative Study Between (SGLT-2i) and (DPP-4i) in the Prevention of DIC (PHASE4)
- Impact of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Treatment on Type 2 Diabetes. (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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