Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly receive CHMP backing for new diabetes drug

Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly have announced that their new single-pill combination therapy for type 2 diabetes has been recommended for European regulatory approval.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has endorsed the empagliflozin/metformin hydrochloride regimen for use in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.

Empagliflozin, when added to metformin hydrochloride, has been proven in phase III clinical trials to help lower blood glucose, body weight and blood pressure. Its side effects have also shown to be in line with the known safety profile of the individual compounds.

It is intended for people who are inadequately controlled with metformin alone or in combination with other blood glucose-lowering drugs, or are already being treated with empagliflozin and metformin as separate tablets.

If approved, the new product will be marketed under the brand name Synjardy and will represent the second single-pill combination therapy Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly will offer in Europe through their diabetes alliance.

The companies have been working together since 2011, and in total three treatments for diabetes – Trajenta, Jardiance and Jentadueto – have been launched via the partnership.