Januvia diabetes drug,molecular model. Januvia (sitagliptin) is a hypoglycaemic drug,one that reduces blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels can get dangerously high due to a lack of insulin,the hormone that reduces them. Januvia works by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP- 4). DPP-4 rapidly deactivates the incretin hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1),which promotes insulin release. Hence,inhibiting DPP-4 prolongs the effects of GLP-1,keeping insulin levels high. Atoms are colour-coded: carbon (grey),hydrogen (yellow),oxygen (red),nitrogen (blue) and fluorine (green). Januvia is marketed by Merck,and was approved in the USA in October 2006 |