Saxagliptin is a new oral hypoglycemic of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of drugs. Saxagliptin is used as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It does not appear to decrease the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Like other DPP-4 inhibitors, it has relatively modest HbA1c lowering ability, is associated with a relatively modest risk of hypoglycemia, and does not cause weight gain. Saxagliptin improved mean HbA1c levels in a 24-week trial in people with type 2 diabetes. Combination therapy with saxagliptin and metformin was more effective than saxagliptin or metformin monotherapy. Saxagliptin is part of a class of diabetes medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones. As a DPP-4 inhibitor, Saxagliptin slows down the breakdown of incretin hormones, increasing the level of these hormones in the body.
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