LAF 237 [NVP LAF 237], the first in a new class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors, is effective in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had not achieved adequate glycaemic control with metformin, according to a study presented at the 64th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association [Orlando, Florida, USA; June, 2004]. During the year-long study, patients treated with oral LAF 237 plus metformin sustained an HbA1clevel that was on average 1.1% lower than that observed in patients treated with placebo plus metformin. A second study presented at the meeting indicated that LAF 237 is also effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes when given as monotherapy.