Daiichi Sankyo presents positive colesevelam HCl data

Daiichi Sankyo has presented new study data showing that colesevelam HCl can reduce LDL cholesterol and A1C levels in patients with type two diabetes mellitus, when their condition is not adequately controlled by treatment with metformin.

The company has included this trial data in recent applications for marketing approval with relevant regulatory bodies.

If approved for this patient population, the drug is set to become the first compound indicated for improving glycemic control alongside lowering LDL cholesterol in individuals with type two diabetes.

Marketed as WelChol, colesevelam HCI is currently indicated as a treatment to lower LDL cholesterol and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2000.

Dr Harold Bays, study investigator, commented that patients will often experience both diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia.

“This study provides evidence that colesevelam HCl is not only safe and effective in improving cholesterol levels in patients with type two diabetes mellitus, but may also lower glucose levels as well,” he said.

In January 2007, Daiichi Sankyo stated that a medication that both improves glycemic control and lowers LDL cholesterol could “be of great benefit for many patients”, with physicians continually in search of improved medication combinations for both conditions.