Glyxambi Approved To Help Manage Glycemic Control In Type 2 Diabetes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the drug Glyxambi, which can be used for certain adults with type 2 diabetes and is added to a healthy diet and exercise regimen to help improve glycemic control.

This is the first diabetes treatment in the United States that combines sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor in a one-daily tablet. Linagliptin (5 mg) is also combined to help make up the components of the product, which works by increasing hormones that help stimulate the liver to produce less glucose and the pancreas produce more insulin.

"Today's medical community recognizes the need to treat type 2 diabetes from multiple fronts to help patients improve glycemic control," said Paul Fonteyne, president and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in a news release. "With Glyxambi, the dual inhibition of DPP-4 and SGLT2 - two proven targets in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - now provides US physicians and patients with an option to simultaneously address multiple pathways to improve glycemic control. For patients uncontrolled on metformin, phase 3 trial results showed Glyxambi provided significantly greater reductions in blood glucose levels compared with either empagliflozin or linagliption alone."

"Half of people with type-2 diabetes do not achieve recommended blood sugar control, making new treatment options more important than ever," added Eli Lilly diabetes division vice president Mike Mason. "The approval of Glyxambi gives US physicians and patients a first-in-class prescription medicine to help manage this condition. The approval is also a testament to our alliance's commitment to adults living with type 2 diabetes."

Statistics from the American Diabetes Association shows that in 2012, 29.1 million Americans had diabetes-20.1 who were diagnosed and 8.1 million who were undiagnosed. The health issue can result in numerous health complications if left untreated, including amputations and even death, in more severe cases. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. 

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