The article discusses the role of incretin drugs in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The mechanisms of action of dipeptidyl peptidase type 4 inhibitors (iDPP-4) are analyzed using the example of vildagliptin. The data of studies on the effectiveness of vildagliptin as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea drugs, thiazolidinediones are presented. The results of observational programs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of vildagliptin and a fixed combination of vildagliptin and metformin in real clinical practice are presented.
Conclusion. The emergence of iDPP-4 has significantly expanded the possibilities for effective and safe treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs, and vildagliptin in particular, are safe, easy to use, and well tolerated by patients. And their possible effect on atherogen- esis, vascular endothelium and vascular wall allows us to hope for a cardioprotective effect.

Keywords: incretins, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, vildagliptin, diabetes mellitus