ARI-1778

ARI-1778 is a small molecule inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) that was developed by Arisaph Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Designed as a long-acting agent intended for once-weekly oral administration, ARI-1778 aimed to provide a more convenient dosing schedule compared to the daily DPP-4 inhibitors currently on the market. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the rapid degradation of incretin hormones, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). By stabilizing these hormones, ARI-1778 enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and suppresses inappropriate glucagon release from alpha cells, thereby improving overall glycemic control. Although it progressed into early clinical development, the program appears to have been discontinued as the developer's pipeline is no longer active.