Linagliptin → Alzheimers Disease Neuroprotection

Original Indication

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Proposed New Indication

Linagliptin, delivered intranasally via novasomes, shows potential as a neuroprotectant for Alzheimer's disease by improving brain delivery and exhibiting neuroprotective effects. Recent evidence also suggests that the DPP-4 inhibitor class can slow cognitive decline in AD patients with T2DM.

Proposed Mechanism

Targets: DPP-4

Improved brain delivery of Linagliptin via intranasal novasomes, leading to direct neuroprotective effects. Additionally, systemic DPP-4 inhibition contributes to cognitive benefits observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.

Evidence

Level: In vitro characterization, ex vivo permeation study (pre-clinical)

Source: Farag et al. (2025) - Repurposing linagliptin-loaded novasomes as a neuroprotectant for Alzheimer's disease: in-vitro characterisation, statistical optimisation and ex-vivo permeation study. J Microencapsul.

Reference: PubMed 40329664

Repurposing Score