AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of Xigduo™ (dapagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride) for adults aged 18 and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in patients inadequately controlled on their current metformin-based treatment regimen or who are currently being treated with the combination of dapgliflozin and metformin as separate tablets.
Xigduo™ combines dapagliflozin (tradename Forxiga®), a selective and reversible inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), and metformin hydrochloride in a twice daily tablet. This is the first CHMP recommendation for a SGLT2 and metformin hydrochloride fixed dosage combination. The CHMP's positive opinion will now be reviewed by the European Commission, which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union. The final decision will be applicable to all 28 European Union member countries plus Iceland and Norway.
Xigduo™ combines Forxiga and metformin hydrochloride, two anti hyperglycaemic products with complementary mechanisms of action to improve glycaemic control. Forxiga, the first medicine in the SGLT2 class to gain regulatory approval, is currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand.
About SGLT2 Inhibition
The kidney plays an important role in maintaining normal glucose balance by filtering and reabsorbing glucose from circulation. SGLT2, a sodium-glucose cotransporter found predominantly in the kidney, is responsible for the majority of glucose reabsorption. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the capacity of the kidney to reabsorb glucose is increased by approximately 20%, further exacerbating the hyperglycemia associated with the disease. Selective inhibition of SGLT2 reduces the reabsorption of excess glucose and enables its removal via the urine.
About Diabetes
In 2013, diabetes was estimated to affect more than 380 million people worldwide. The prevalence of diabetes is projected to reach more than 592 million by 2035. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of all cases of diagnosed diabetes in adults. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insulin resistance and dysfunction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to elevated glucose levels. Over time, this sustained hyperglycemia contributes to further progression of the disease. Significant unmet needs still exist, as many patients remain inadequately controlled on their current glucose-lowering regimen.
AstraZeneca/Bristol-Myers Squibb Diabetes Alliance
Dedicated to addressing the global burden of diabetes by advancing individualized patient care, AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb are working in collaboration to research, develop and commercialize a versatile portfolio of innovative treatment options for diabetes and related metabolic disorders that aim to provide treatment effects beyond glucose control.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.