Role of anagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, in managing type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: No comprehensive meta-analysis has examined and consolidated the effectiveness and safety of anagliptin in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). To bridge this knowledge gap, we undertook this meta-analysis.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials involving patients with T2D receiving anagliptin were sought after through electronic databases. The control arm consisted of either an active comparator (active control group [ACG]) or a placebo (passive control group [PCG]). The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), with secondary outcomes including fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid profiles and adverse events.

Results: From the 226 articles first examined, 10 randomized controlled trials with 970 participants were analyzed. Reductions in HbA1c (mean difference [MD]: -0.03%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.14 to 0.14, P = .51, I2 = 9%) and FPG (MD: 0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.35, P = .87, I2 = 42%) were similar in the anagliptin group and ACG. Anagliptin reduced FPG better than placebo (MD: -1.25 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.87 to -0.64, P < .0001, I2 = 0%). Sufficient data were unavailable to analyze the HbA1c lowering with anagliptin versus placebo. Among the lipid parameters, changes in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B48, and apolipoprotein B100 were identical between the anagliptin and control groups (PCG and ACG). Anagliptin was better than ACG at lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not as good at lowering triglyceride. Adverse events were infrequent and similar in the anagliptin and control groups (PCG and ACG).

Conclusion: Anagliptin positively affects glucose control and is safe for managing T2D. Its low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effect warrants further investigation.