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Vildagliptin-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
1Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|January 7, 2026
Summary
Vildagliptin, a common diabetes medication, can cause bullous pemphigoid (BP), a blistering skin condition. This study found vildagliptin-induced BP in 30.6% of cases, with Māori patients disproportionately affected.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease.
- Medications, especially dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors like vildagliptin, are associated with BP.
- Vildagliptin has been available in New Zealand since 2018.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of vildagliptin-induced BP in New Zealand.
- To identify any demographic factors associated with vildagliptin-induced BP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-centre study.
- Inclusion of histologically confirmed BP cases between 2018 and 2023.
- Analysis of patient data to identify vildagliptin use and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 15 out of 49 (30.6%) BP patients had vildagliptin-induced BP.
- Māori patients were over-represented in the vildagliptin-induced BP subgroup.
- Mean time to BP onset was 388 days after vildagliptin initiation.
- Non-vildagliptin BP cases were more likely to require systemic immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Vildagliptin-induced BP is a common and under-recognized clinical entity in New Zealand.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering vildagliptin in the differential diagnosis of BP.
- Further research into the mechanisms and management of vildagliptin-induced BP is warranted.
