An antidiabetic agent. A potent inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), an enzyme that breaks down Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). By delaying the degradation of GLP-1, vildagliptin extends the action of insulin while also suppressing the release of glucagon. This leads to a reduction in elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes.