Incretin-based drugs and risk of acute pancreatitis: a nested-case control study within a healthcare database

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are two classes of incretin-based treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus [1]. They act either by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 (e.g., exenatide and liraglutide) or by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4 that degrades endogenous GLP-1 (e.g., sitagliptin and linagliptin). These agents are effective in glycaemic control, do not increase weight [2], and may reduce major cardiovascular events [3,4]. However, safety concerns have arisen because of possible pancreatic adverse events [5,6].

Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice - February 23, 2015 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Davide Soranna, Cristina Bosetti, Manuela Casula, Elena Tragni, Alberico L. Catapano, Carlo L.A Vecchia, Luca Merlino, Giovanni Corrao Source Type: research