INTRODUCTION: A recent treatment advance for type 2 diabetes is the oral therapy 
with DPP IV inhibitors. New substances of this class are in development in order 
to increase alternatives for treating this important metabolic disease. The 
reader will gain detailed pharmacological and clinical information on 
alogliptin, dutogliptin and linagliptin and will learn how these DPP IV 
inhibitors may widen the whole drug class. Possible special indications for the 
various DPP IV inhibitors are discussed.
AREAS COVERED: The DPP IV inhibitors and their current role in type 2 diabetes 
are highlighted. Preclinical and clinical studies of the novel DPP IV inhibitors 
alogliptin, dutogliptin and linagliptin, including published data since 2007, 
are presented and a comparison of these compounds is made.
EXPERT OPINION: The efficacy and safety profile of DPP IV inhibitors are 
promising and advantageous so far. In contrast to sulfonylureas, DPP IV 
inhibitors do not have an intrinsic risk for causing hypoglycemia and they are 
body weight neutral. Their tolerability profile is good and no specific adverse 
reactions have been reported. Experience so far suggests that there are no 
safety issues associated with inhibition of DPP IV activity by itself. Novel DPP 
IV inhibitors with distinct properties may offer alternative choices within this 
drug class.