Sanofi-Aventis presents Apidra study data

At the annual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association, Sanofi-Aventis has presented new study results showing an improvement in A1C in type two diabetes patients when Apidra (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) is added to basal insulin and oral antidiabetic drug therapy (BOT).

The company reports that this is the first study to show the potential benefits of receiving a dose of fast-acting insulin during the main meal of the day, with 84.2 per cent of patients reaching the previously set post-prandial target.

In the trial, patients received a single dose of Apidra in addition to their basal treatment of Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), with reductions in A1C similar to that seen when Apidra is administered at breakfast.

Apidra is a fast-acting insulin analogue used in conjunction with a longer-acting basal insulin treatment regimen that can be taken up to 15 minutes before and within 20 minutes of starting a meal.

Mark Lankisch, of the German Diabetes Centre at the Leibniz Centre, Heinrich-Heine-University, said: “The data suggest that adding one injection of Apidra at a patient’s main meal of the day in addition to a BOT regimen allows patients to achieve a significantly improved glycemic control.”

In March 2007, Sanofi-Aventis announced the launch of its SoloStar disposable insulin pens for use with Lantus and Apidra as a treatment option for patients with type one and type two diabetes.