Objective: The aim of this study was is to investigate the proposed beneficial cardiovascular effects of a novel class of antidiabetic drugs named; dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. In this study, we compared the effect of using add-on therapy of vildagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor; DPP-4i) and gliclazide (sulphonylurea; SU) to that when using gliclazide monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on different cardiovascular outcomes.Methods: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with T2DM, and ACS were randomly recruited into two treatment groups each of 30 patients to receive either gliclazide monotherapy (SU) or vildagliptin (DPP4i)+gliclazide (SU) add-on therapy, administered in a double-blind fashion. Outpatient visits were scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 mo where patient was reevaluated for cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and followed up for any arising cardiovascular complication.
Results:The vildagliptin (DPP4i) plus gliclazide (SU) add-on therapy group have significantly shown more improved glycemic control, lipid profile and ventricular performance compared to gliclazide (SU) monotherapy group with p values<0.05.
Conclusion:Vildagliptin as a DPP4i provides favourable cardiovascular effects beyond glucose control. Yet, its long-term safety and efficacy data still needs further investigations.