title: Saxagliptin: A Selective DPP-4 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
abstract: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is high and growing rapidly. Suboptimal glycemic control provides opportunities for new treatment options to improve the morbidity and mortality of this progressive disease. Saxagliptin, a selective DPP-4 inhibitor, increases endogenous incretin levels and incretin acitivty. In controlled clinical trials saxagliptin reduces both fasting and postprandial glucose and works in monotherapy and in combination with metformin, TZDs and sulfonylureas. Saxagliptin has a very favourable side effect profile and may have other beneficial non-glycemic effects. The authors review the current available evidence for the safety, efficacy and saxagliptin's place in therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. As understanding of the incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP) expand we may see additional important non-glycemic effects that may affect the chronic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine,OU-COM, 349 Grosvenor Hall, Athens OH 45701, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM), Athens OH 45701.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shubrook
authors.forename: Randall
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Colucci
authors.forename: Aili
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schwartz