Lilly reports positive diabetes drug data

Lilly has announced positive new clinical trial data for empagliflozin, the investigational diabetes therapy it is developing alongside Boehringer Ingelheim.

Results from a 52-week study of the drug showed that it was able to deliver significant reductions in average blood glucose levels when added to existing oral anti-hyperglycaemic therapy among adults with type 2 diabetes and mild to moderate kidney impairment.

The therapy is part of the emerging sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor class of compounds, which removes excess glucose through the urine by blocking glucose reabsorption by the kidney.

Dr Christophe Arbet-Engels, vice-president for metabolic clinical development and medical affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Many people with type 2 diabetes also are impacted by renal impairment. Through the Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly Diabetes alliance, we are using our collective knowledge to find new treatment options for type 2 diabetes."

This comes after the two companies allied last month to launch a new digital game called Complications Combat, which aims to educate consumers about the challenges associated with managing type 2 diabetes.