Linagliptin increases incretin levels, lowers glucagon, and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Thomas Rauch, Ulrike Graefe-Mody, Carolyn F Deacon, Arne Ring, Jens Juul Holst, Hans-Juergen Woerle, Klaus A Dugi, Tim Heise

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Linagliptin is a xanthine-based dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor that is now available in numerous countries worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate further the mechanisms underlying the improvements in glycemic control observed with linagliptin. The effects of linagliptin on DPP-4, pharmacodynamic parameters, and glycemic control versus placebo were assessed in patients with inadequately controlled T2DM. Methods: Patients in this phase 2a, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study received placebo (n = 40) or linagliptin 5mg (n = 40). Sitagliptin 100 mg (n = 41) once daily for 4 weeks was included for exploratory purposes. Primary endpoints for linagliptinversus placebo: change from baseline to day 28 in 24-h weighted mean glucose (WMG) and intact glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 area under the time-effect curve between 0 and 2 h (AUEC0-2h) following meal tolerance test on day 28. Results: Linagliptin increased intact GLP-1 AUEC0-2h (+18.1 pmol/h/L) and lowered 24-h WMG (-1.1 mmol/L) versus placebo (both P\0.0001) after 28 days. Intact glucosedependent insulinotropic polypeptide increased in line with GLP-1 (+91.4 pmol/h/L increase vs. placebo; P\0.0001). Glycated hemoglobin (-0.22%; P = 0.0021), fasting plasma glucose (-0.6 mmol/L; P = 0.0283), and glucose (AUEC0-3h) (-5.9 mmol/h/L; P\0.0001) improved significantly with linagliptin versus placebo. Most adverse events were mild; hypoglycemia or serious adverse events were not reported. Sustained DPP-4 inhibition (C80%) throughout the treatment period was accompanied by significant reductions in glucagon starting at day 1 of linagliptin administration. Conclusion: Linagliptin was well tolerated and effectively inhibited plasma DPP-4 activity in patients with T2DM, producing immediate improvements in incretin levels, glucagon suppression, and glycemic control that were maintained throughout the study period.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiabetes Therapy
Volume3
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)10
ISSN1869-6953
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012

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