Omarigliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The estimated global prevalence of diabetes mellitus for adults aged 20-70 in 2015 was 415 million with approximately 90% of diagnosed cases being Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Improvements in lifestyle and effective therapies are key to management but due to the progressive nature of T2DM, pharmacotherapy is typically required. Whilst the initial therapy will usually be with metformin, thereafter treatment should be individualised, with consideration of several different second line options. These include the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, of which omarigliptin is the second once weekly version.

The paper summarises key pharmoacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features and reviews the efficacy and safety trial data of omarigliptin, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor.

Omarigliptin results in a significant improvement in glycaemia with an effective once weekly pharmacokinetic profile and low risk of drug-drug interactions. It has equivalent efficacy to existing once daily DPP-4 inhibitors and shares a similar side effect profile. It is weight neutral with a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared with sulphonylureas. Adherence to prescribed medication is poor in patients with T2DM. Once weekly omarigliptin is a welcomed addition to the therapeutic armoury but whether it will improve compliance remains to be seen.