Meglitinides

What are Meglitinides?

Meglinitides work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin in response to a meal. It closes ATP-dependent potassium channels in functioning pancreatic beta cells. This blockade of potassium channels depolarizes the beta cells, which leads to opening of calcium channels resulting in influx of calcium. Increased intracellular calcium induces insulin secretion.

Meglitinides are used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Meglitinides stimulate a shorter term burst of insulin to cover mealtimes. Common brands include: Repaglinide (marketed as Prandin) Nateglinide (marketed as Starlix)

The meglitinide analogues (“meglitinides”) are a class of oral antidiabetic agents that increase insulin secretion in the pancreas. The properties of this class of drug suggest that they have the potential to produce a rapid, short‐lived insulin output.

Glinides: Glinides include the drugs nateglinide and repaglinide. They increase insulin production in the body. Compared to metformin, glinides are more likely to lead to mild and moderate hypoglycemia. Glinides can cause weight gain.

One drug class commonly used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes to control blood glucose levels is called meglitinides. Meglitinides require a prescription and include two drugs—repaglinide and nateglinide. Both drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available in tablet form.

DPP-4 inhibitors that have FDA approval include sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin. Vildagliptin has approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), but not by the FDA. These drugs act through incretin hormones, which are gut hormones responsible for glucose homeostasis after oral food intake.