Taspoglutide, the first once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue based on a human sequence, originating from Ipsen’s research is developed by Roche. The compound is similar to the natural hormone GLP-1 which has a key role in blood sugar regulation.
Taspoglutide showed comparable or greater reductions in HbA1c levels with a low risk of hypoglycemia, resulted in more patients reaching the ADA target for HbA1c of <7.0%, and produced clinically meaningful weight loss in three head-to-head comparisons against exenatide, sitagliptin and insulin glargine.
Jean-Luc Belingard, chairman and CEO of Ipsen Group, said: “These 5 phase III clinical trials have clearly demonstrated the marked and reproducible efficacy profile of taspoglutide in blood glucose control and body weight loss.
“The T-emerge programme provides the medical community with extensive data on the competitive positioning of this promising compound in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
“We are confident that the ongoing clinical programme will further establish taspoglutide as a potential best-in-class with the added convenience of a once-a-week injection.”