Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Therapeutic agents targeting the incretin axis are poised for clinical utility in the treatment of metabolic diseases. The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), plays a significant role in glycemic control. The focus here is on the maintenance of endogenous levels of GLP-1 by inhibition of its key degradative enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV). DPPIV inhibition has been demonstrated clinically of value in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Speculation on its potential for the treatment of metabolic disease syndrome is also made.