ABSTRACT
Background DPP-4 inhibitors showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in human and animal-studies. DPP-4 inhibitors improved nerve function and thermal nociception in animal models. Aim of the study was to explore analgesic activity of single and multiple doses of teneligliptin 20 mg/day using hot air analgesiometer in healthy human volunteers.Methods: After IEC approval and informed consent, subjects were randomized to receive either teneligliptin 20 mg or placebo in double-blinded manner with standard breakfast. Mean pain threshold and tolerance(sec) using hot air analgesiometer were recorded at baseline and 1 hr, 2 hrs post drug on day 1, for single dose study. Subsequently drugs were administered under supervision daily for 6 days and same procedure repeated on day8 for multiple-dose study. After 2 weeks washout, subjects crossed over in period 2 to receive other formulation and same procedure repeated to determine study parameters. Fasting blood-sugar (FBS) was monitored, ADRs recorded in CRF. Statistical analysis done with SPSS20.0.Results: Twelve-healthy subjects (8 males, 4 females) with mean age 33.08±4.69 years, mean BMI 22.6±1.37kg/m2 participated. Single dose teneligliptin produced significant increase in pain threshold (35.9%) and pain tolerance (25.1%) (p<0.001) at 1hour compared to baseline. With multiple doses, pain threshold increased by 37.1% and pain tolerance by 25.4% (p<0.001) at 1hour compared to baseline. The increase in pain threshold and tolerance values at 1 and 2 hours were similar. There was no significant change in pain threshold(p=0.4135) and tolerance (p=0.4476) at baseline on day1 and day 8. Placebo showed non-significant change in study parameters. Both treatments well tolerated. FBS of volunteers within normal limits during treatment period and no hypoglycemia reported.Conclusions: Results of our study suggest that teneligliptin20mg in healthy subjects demonstrated modest analgesic activity compared to baseline and placebo. Its role in painful diabetic conditions may be further explored.