EASD: Novel DPP-4 Drug Works in Renal Impairment

EASD: Novel DPP-4 Drug Works in Renal Impairment: The novel diabetes drug linagliptin (proposed trade name Ondero) may find a niche in treating patients with kidney problems. In a phase III study of patients who couldn’t take metformin because of the drug’s GI side effects or renal impairment, linagliptin effectively reduced glycated hemoglobin and glucose compared with placebo. In a second study, renal impairment didn’t reduce clearance of the DPP-4 inhibitor nor did the drug worsen renal impairment. Renal function problems wouldn’t be expected with the drug because of its 94% non-renal route of elimination. Graefe-Mody U, et al “Linagliptin, a novel DPP-4 inhibitor: no need for dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment” EASD 2010; Abstract 822.