MTRAC issued a new Commissioning Support guidance in July 2014. The review covers DPP-4 inhibitors.
This Commissioning Guidance (PDF) reviews the evidence for all of the currently available 'gliptins'. It notes that no significant differences in blood glucose reducing efficacy have were identified in a systematic review or in a direct comparison between sitagliptin and saxagliptin. It is also noted that the current NICE Guidance recommends continued treatment with DDP-4 inhibitors only when there is a beneficial metabolic response (HbA1c reduction of 0.5% or 5-6mmol/mol). This guidance summary recommends that, "if a gliptin is to be used, it is advised that the gliptin is selected based on the appropriate licensed indications, with the lowest acquisition cost".
Action: Clinicians should be aware of these reviews and use the recommendations to guide appropriate use of these medicines in current practice.