Small molecule
PubChem CID 4369359
Sitagliptin
Januvia
- Mechanism of action
- DPP-4 inhibitor
- In plain language
- Blocks an enzyme called DPP-4 so the body's own blood-sugar-lowering hormones stay active longer after meals.
- How it works
- Sitagliptin is a selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme responsible for rapid degradation of the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. By inhibiting DPP-4, sitagliptin increases and prolongs circulating levels of active incretins, which enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and suppress inappropriate glucagon secretion from alpha cells. Because the insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects are glucose-dependent, the drug carries a low intrinsic risk of hypoglycemia.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Not indicated for type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Metabolic / Diabetes
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