New Diabetes Drug Approved In Europe

The Associated Press reported today that new Type 2 diabetes drug created in a joint effort between Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim has been approved by regulators.

Linagliptin, which is sold in the United States under the trade name Trajenta, is a DPP-4 inhibitor that prevents the degradation of of incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. Both hormones increase insulin secretion in the presence of elevated blood glucose levels and reduce liver glucose output via a reduction in glucagon secretion by the pancreas. The drug is a once-daily oral medication.

The FDA approved Trajenta in May after a study involving 4,000 participants with type 2 diabetes confirmed linagliptin lowered blood glucose levels either as monotherapy or in conjunction with existing diabetes care. The drug did not cause increases in bodyweight common to other diabetes medication, and did not impair normal renal function indicating excretion may not be independent of the kidneys.

Affecting over 20 million Americans, type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability to break down carbohydrates in the body due to insulin resistance, and is a contributing factor in obesity, heart disease, blindness, circulatory problems, and kidney complications. Early detection is vital for diabetes management and preventing the progression of the disease.

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