Introduction: A growth in the market for anti-diabetic drugs, along with an ever-increasing population suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requires a critical re-evaluation of anti-diabetic drugs used for a long time, in order to provide up-to-date practical prescribing information for clinicians. Alogliptin benzoate was firstly approved in 2010 in Japan for T2DM, both as a monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs. Areas covered: This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest data on alogliptin benzoate, including hypoglycemic activity and safety. Expert opinion: The cumulative evidence for alogliptin benzoate is robust with regards to glycemic efficacy and safety. Low hypoglycemia risks and weight changes support its consideration as a first-line medication for T2DM, either as a monotherapy or in combination therapy with other anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin. Ongoing trials will look to better analyze and address its safety and efficacy in pediatric patients and expand our clinical knowledge of this medication.
Keywords: DPP-4 inhibitor; alogliptin benzoate; type 2 diabetes mellitus; up-to-date evaluation.