Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly launch new Trajenta study

Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly have announced the initiation of a new phase IIIb trial evaluating the glycaemic efficacy and safety of their drug Trajenta among patients with type 2 diabetes and prevalent albuminuria.

The Marlina trial will last 24 weeks and will involve subjects remaining on current standard therapy for diabetic nephropathy, with final results to be produced in 2014.

Albuminuria is a condition in which the protein albumin leaks out of the kidneys into the urine and is one of the first signs of damaged kidneys and early-stage renal disease, as well as an increased cardiovascular health risk.

The new study will evaluate the glycemic efficacy and safety of Trajenta in patients with type 2 diabetes whose kidneys are excreting significant amounts of albumin.

Dr Christophe Arbet-Engels, vice-president for metabolic clinical development and medical affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Marlina demonstrates our ongoing commitment to diabetes research and the development of products aimed at meeting the specific needs of the diabetes community."

Earlier this month, Boehringer Ingelheim announced a new alliance with Presidio Pharmaceuticals to carry out a hepatitis C drug trial.