Pharmaceutical Business review

Novo Nordisk and Sciele Pharma introduce diabetes combination therapy in US

PrandiMet is a meglitinide and biguanide combination product indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are already treated with a meglitinide and metformin HCl or who have inadequate glycemic control on a meglitinide alone or metformin HCl alone.

PrandiMet targets three primary abnormalities of type 2 diabetes by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing gluconeogenesis. Insulin release is dependent on the presence of functioning beta cells in the pancreatic islets.

The combination of metformin and repaglinide has been shown to effectively reduce A1c levels. Although Prandin and metformin HCl have been used together for over 10 years, PrandiMet is the first treatment option which combines both into one pill, the two companies said.