Voglibose (Basen®, AO-128), One of the Most Important α-Glucosidase Inhibitors

The number of people with diabetes is expected to rise from the current estimated 150 million to 220 million in 2010 and 300 million in 2025, and 90% is Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Voglibose, one of the most important alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thereby inhibiting postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, and is the aid in the treatment of diabetes. In this paper, properties and the preparation of voglibose are reviewed.