Novartis touts “impressive” new oral diabetes drug

Novartis has described its new oral treatment for type-II diabetes, Galvus, as having “impressive” efficacy, particularly in patients with poor glycaemic control.

A new phase III study revealed that Galvus combined with pioglitazone (TZD), an insulin sensitiser, allowed 65 per cent of patients to meet the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) target blood-sugar level (known as A1c) of seven per cent. In comparison, the treatment of Galvus or pioglitazone alone meant that 42.5 and 42.9 per cent respectively of patients met the ADA target.

Additionally, in another study, Galvus demonstrated similar effectiveness as rosiglitazone, another insulin sensitiser. The new Novartis drug demonstrated a mean weight loss in patients – significant because weight gain often being a demoralising side-effect of controlling diabetes.

James Shannon, head of development at Novartis Pharma, remarked: “These new data underscore the significant efficacy and good tolerability that have been consistently observed in the robust Galvus clinical development program.

“The magnitude of A1c reductions seen in the combination of Galvus and a TZD is encouraging for patients struggling to reach and maintain their blood sugar levels.”

“The trial results for Galvus continue to reinforce the benefits of treating both islet dysfunction and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes,” he concluded.

Galvus was accepted by the FDA for regulatory review earlier this year. Novartis said it expect a European application to follow later this year.

Novartis’ trial results for Galvus are one of a number showcased by several companies at the ADA’s annual scientific meeting.

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