Janssen reports positive data from diabetes drug trial

Janssen has reported positive new clinical trial data that demonstrates the potential benefits offered by its investigational diabetes therapy canagliflozin.

Results from the Canvas trial show that canagliflozin was able to substantially lower blood glucose levels when used as an add-on therapy for patients receiving insulin for type 2 diabetes and who are considered to be at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, the drug was shown to deliver additional benefits in terms of secondary endpoint goals, such as reductions in body weight and blood pressure.

The data was accompanied by findings from a separate phase III trial showing canagliflozin to be effective and well-tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes aged 55 to 80.

Dr Kirk Ways, vice-president and compound development team leader for canagliflozin at Janssen, said: "The breadth of the phase III development programme reinforces our commitment to develop new therapeutic options for unmet patient needs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes."

Earlier this week, Janssen agreed a deal with Astellas to acquire worldwide rights to a new janus kinase inhibitor therapy for immunological diseases.