AstraZeneca reports positive data for new combination diabetes therapy

AstraZeneca has announced new clinical trial results showing the benefits of a new combination treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Positive results from the phase III DURATION-8 trial have been announced, showing that Bydureon used in combination with Forxiga can significantly reduce blood sugar compared to the individual medicines alone in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin.

The combination was also observed to help significantly reduce patients' body weight and systolic blood pressure, meaning the secondary endpoints for the trial were also met. The rate of serious adverse events was similar to the individual medicine treatment groups.

This was the first trial to combine these two different anti-diabetes medicines as an addition to standard-of-care therapy.

Elisabeth Bjork, vice-president and head of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at AstraZeneca's global medicines development, said the study "reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of science in the treatment of a disease that affects an estimated 415 million adults worldwide".

The company launched two phase IIIb trials assessing Forxiga in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure earlier this month.

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