Mechanism of action
It inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme which is involved in the inactivation of the incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Both incretin hormones are involved in the physiological regulation of glucose homeostasis. Inhibition of DPP-4 leads to increased and prolonged active incretin levels.