Pfizer and Merck Sharp and Dohme announce positive diabetes drug data

Pfizer and Merck Sharp and Dohme have announced new clinical data that demonstrates the benefits offered by the new diabetes therapy ertugliflozin.

Results from two phase III studies, VERTIS MET and VERTIS SITA, have shown that the investigational oral SGLT-2 inhibitor can help improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

In the studies, both the five mg and 15 mg daily doses of ertugliflozin achieved statistically significant reductions in blood glucose over a two to three-month timeframe when added to metformin or in initial co-administration with sitagliptin. 

Dr James Rusnak, chief development officer for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at Pfizer's global product development business, said: "As the global burden of diabetes continues to rise, we are committed to meeting patients' needs with additional treatment options to help manage their condition."

Marketing applications for ertugliflozin and two fixed-dose combination products based on the compound are under review by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, with data from these studies set to support these applications.

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