PBS listing for Januvia

Januvia (sitagliptin) is the first and only in a new class of oral type 2 diabetes medications known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) which enhance the body's own ability to lower blood glucose levels when elevated. 

The medication works by increasing the active levels of incretin hormones in the body which trigger the pancreas to release insulin and signal the liver to reduce its production of glucose.

According to Professor John Prins, Professor of Endocrinology at the Princess Alexandra Hosptial in Brisbane, Januvia minimises the risk of hypoglycaemia, a common side effect of some older medications for type 2 diabetes.

Januvia has also been shown to be generally weight neutral.

"More than 80 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Outside of metformin, the majority of oral type 2 diabetes medications are traditionally associated with weight gain," Prof Prins said.

"Januvia is the only new, oral medication available in Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that is less likely to cause weight gain. Its novel action on the incretin system, together with its ability to reduce HbA1c, its low propensity for side effects and the fact that it only needs to be taken once a day, makes it an effective and attractive new treatment option," he said.

Januvia is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in persons 18 years of age and older who have failed dietary measures and exercise as dual combination therapy with metformin, or with a sulfonylurea, or with a thiazolidinedione (TZD) where the use of a TZD is considered appropriate.

It is the first new oral type 2 diabetes medication to be launched in Australia in more than seven years.