The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors linagliptin, sitagliptin, 
saxagliptin, vildagliptin and alogliptin are being developed and have been 
approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. These agents may be used either 
as monotherapy for the treatment of type-2 diabetes or in combination with other 
anti-diabetic drugs. The present review highlights the use of linagliptin and 
other new (DPP-4) inhibitors in the management of type-2 diabetes. The review 
also highlights advantages, comparative pharmacokinetic, safety profile and 
other potential uses including potential newer indications of DPP-4 inhibitors 
and relevant patents. The other potential uses that are not restricted to 
diabetes include obesity, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, 
hepatobiliary disease, wound healing, and other inflammatory illnesses.