Vildagliptin (LAF237) is a cyanopyrrolidine-based, orally bioavailable inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), with hypoglycemic activity. Vildagliptin's cyano moiety undergoes hydrolysis and this inactive metabolite is excreted mainly via the urine.

DPP4:2.3 nM

In obese male Zucker rats, oral administration of Vildagliptin (10 μmol/kg, p.o.) during a glucose tolerance test increases GLP-1 levels, additionally stimulates insulin secretion, and significantly reduces fluctuations in blood glucose levels. In cynomolgus monkeys treated with Vildagliptin (1 μmol/kg, p.o.), plasma DPP-IV activity is maximally inhibited (95%) approximately 2 hours post-treatment, with inhibition >50% occurring within 30 minutes and lasting over 10 hours. In adult male Sprague-Dawley rats induced with diabetes by Streptozotocin, Vildagliptin treatment of 10 mg/kg for 32 weeks prevents nerve fiber loss. At a dosage of 60 mg/kg, Vildagliptin enhances β-cell replication and decreases apoptosis, leading to an increase in pancreatic β-cell mass, which remains elevated for 12 days post withdrawal of Vildagliptin.

As the most stable DPP-4 inhibitor, Vildagliptin binds to the DPP-4 S1 and S2 catalytic sites, mimicking the transition state of the P-1 site.