The invention relates to new purine derivatives of general formula wherein R1 to R4 are defined as in the claims, the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures, the prodrugs thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibiting effect on the activity of the enzyme dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-IV), the preparation thereof, the use thereof for the prevention or treatment of diseases or conditions associated with an increased DPP-IV activity or capable of being prevented or alleviated by reducing the DPP-IV activity, particularly type I or type II diabetes mellitus, the pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof as well as processes for the preparation thereof.