An Analytical Review-Based Study of Vildagliptin and Metformin

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder and a major public health concern worldwide. Among the available therapies, metformin, a biguanide, remains the first-line drug due to its ability to reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity. Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, complements metformin by enhancing incretin activity, thereby promoting insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon release in a glucose-dependent manner. Their combination offers improved glycemic control with low hypoglycemia risk and good tolerability. To ensure quality, efficacy, and safety, several analytical methods have been applied for their evaluation, including spectroscopy, HPLC, HPTLC, UPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and capillary electrophoresis. These validated techniques enable accurate quantification in formulations and biological samples. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of vildagliptin and metformin further enhance treatment adherence and therapeutic outcomes.