Linagliptin
TradjentaPubChem CID 10096344 · 3D model
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Blocks an enzyme called DPP-4 that normally breaks down the body's own after-meal, insulin-boosting hormones, so those hormones stick around longer and help the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar is high.
How it works
Linagliptin blocks an enzyme called DPP-4, whose normal job is to break down two hormones your gut releases after you eat that tell your pancreas to make insulin. With DPP-4 blocked, those hormones stick around longer, so your body naturally makes more insulin when your blood sugar is high and tells your liver to release less sugar into your blood. Because this only kicks in when blood sugar is actually elevated, it doesn't tend to push blood sugar too low the way some other diabetes drugs can.
What it’s used for
Linagliptin is prescribed, alongside diet and exercise, to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. It isn't used for type 1 diabetes.
- Mechanism
- DPP-4 inhibitor, increases active incretin hormone levels
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Metabolic / Diabetes