Novo Nordisk launches Xultophy in Switzerland to treat type 2 diabetes

Administered as a once-daily single injection independently of meals, Xultophy is a combination of basal insulin Tresiba (insulin degludec) and GLP-1 analogue Victoza (liraglutide).

The product is intended for use in adults with type 2 diabetes that are inadequately controlled with oral glucose-lowering treatments when these are used alone or together with basal insulin.

The company said that for people with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin, Xultophy has showed a significant 1.9% HbA1c reduction, mean weight loss of 2.7kg and a low rate of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) comparable to insulin degludec.

Novo Nordisk executive vice-president and chief science officer Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen said: "More than half of people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin do not achieve glycaemic control and have an increased risk of developing complications.

"The benefits that Xultophy has shown and the convenience it provides may help motivate people with type 2 diabetes to better adhere to therapy and proactively manage their disease."

The company intends to make Xultophy available in other countries throughout Europe in 2015.

University Hospital Zurich professor Roger Lehmann said: "Even though insulin is a very effective treatment, people who live with type 2 diabetes may be reluctant to intensify their regimen because they prefer fewer injections or fear the potential side effects of weight gain and hypoglycaemia.

"The clinical program for Xultophy has shown consistent results in improving glycaemic control in patients uncontrolled on basal insulin and in patients who are not treated with insulin, providing hope for many people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and the physicians who treat them."

Xultophy is being investigated in the clinical trial program called DUAL, which includes two phase IIIa trials encompassing around 2,000 people with type 2 diabetes.