FDA Continues Review of Takeda's New Drug Application for Alogliptin (SYR-322), a DPP-4 Agent for Type ...(previous two to three months. Alogliptin...)

About DPP-4 Inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors inhibit the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which selectively metabolizes the insulin-increasing hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). By maintaining the blood levels of GLP-1 and GIP, DPP-4 inhibitors are a new type of oral anti-diabetic with a novel mechanism of action for lowering blood sugar levels. GLP-1 and GIP are excreted in the digestive tract following food intake, and stimulate the beta-cells in the pancreas --- thereby stimulating increased insulin secretion --- and it has also been confirmed that they improve the functioning of the beta cells themselves. Furthermore it is known that because GLP-1 suppresses glucagon secretion from the pancreas, the production of sugar in liver cells is also suppressed and appetite is suppressed as well.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda (TSE:4502) is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, http://www.takeda.com.