Novartis: Galvus better tolerated than TZDs

Novartis has announced the publication of new study results showing that Galvus (vildagliptin) is better tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes than widely-used thiazolidinediones (TZDs).

Individuals taking the compound had a favourable cardiovascular profile and no weight gain, while the drug showed equal efficacy to TZDs when added to metformin

The Galiant study involved more than 2,400 patients, with Galvus showing good tolerability in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment.

Results from the trial were presented at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Rome.

Novartis noted that over 14,000 patients have been treated with Galvus in clinical programmes to date.

Richard Pratley, director of the Diabetes & Metabolism Translational Medicine Unit at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, said: “The Galiant study reflects the true nature and diversity of the type 2 diabetes patient population.”

He added the use of early combination therapy is now becoming increasingly more vital to help patients attain their target blood sugar level.

In February 2008, Novartis announced that Galvus had received approval for use in combination with metformin, TZDs or sulfonylureas in the European Union, with the drug getting a new label update for the region.