GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandaryl ‘demonstrates superiority’

At this year’s annual scientific meeting of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), GlaxoSmithKline has released the results of a trial for Avandaryl, an insulin combination therapy, which suggests that it may be more effective than using just one therapy.

Avandaryl, which contains rosiglitazone maleate and sulfonylurea, glimepiride, was compared with patients taking either only rosiglitazone or glimepiride. The results showed that “superior” reductions in A1C blood glucose levels were shown in people taking Avandryl.

Some 75 per cent of Avandaryl patients reached the ADA’s target of A1C blood sugar levels being less than seven per cent, in comparison top 49 per cent of patients taking glimepiride and 46 per cent taking rosiglitazone. Additionally, 56 per cent of Avandaryl users reached the more stringent American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, compared to 32 per cent of patients taking glimepiride and 30 per cent taking rosiglitazone.

Barry Goldstein, director of the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic diseases, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, stated: “Given the progressive nature of type-II diabetes, most patients will eventually need more than one therapy to effectively control blood sugar levels over time and reduce their risk of potentially serious diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease and stroke.”

“Using more effective treatment approaches earlier in the course of the disease, including the use of combination medications, is important for the management of type 2 diabetes,” he added.

Hubert Chou, Glaxo’s senior director of the CV Metabolism Medicine Development Centre, concluded: “GlaxoSmithKline is committed to providing convenient and effective treatment options to help the growing number of people with type 2 diabetes to manage their disease.”

Type-II diabetes is caused when the body can still produce some insulin, but not enough, or defective insulin, according to charity Diabetes UK. It is different from type-I diabetes, where the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed.

Among the incorrect myths about diabetes are that stress and eating too many sweets or the wrong kinds of food can cause the disorder, according to the charity.

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