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Vildagliptin (LAF237)

Novartis · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is a DPP-4 inhibitor Small molecule drug developed by Novartis. It is currently FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents. Also known as: Vildagliptin.

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

Vildagliptin, also known as LAF237, is a small molecule dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor. It has been studied in clinical trials for conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic foot ulcers.

At a glance

Generic nameVildagliptin (LAF237)
Also known asVildagliptin
SponsorNovartis
Drug classDPP-4 inhibitor
TargetDPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDiabetes
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

By blocking DPP-4, vildagliptin prevents the degradation of GLP-1 and GIP, endogenous incretin hormones that stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion 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

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Frequently asked questions about Vildagliptin (LAF237)

What is Vildagliptin (LAF237)?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is a DPP-4 inhibitor drug developed by Novartis, indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents.

How does Vildagliptin (LAF237) work?

Vildagliptin 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 Vildagliptin (LAF237) used for?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents.

Who makes Vildagliptin (LAF237)?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is developed and marketed by Novartis (see full Novartis pipeline at /company/novartis).

Is Vildagliptin (LAF237) also known as anything else?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is also known as Vildagliptin.

What drug class is Vildagliptin (LAF237) in?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor class. See all DPP-4 inhibitor drugs at /class/dpp-4-inhibitor.

What development phase is Vildagliptin (LAF237) in?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Vildagliptin (LAF237)?

Common side effects of Vildagliptin (LAF237) include Headache, Nasopharyngitis, Dizziness, Hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas).

What does Vildagliptin (LAF237) target?

Vildagliptin (LAF237) targets DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) and is a DPP-4 inhibitor.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing