Janssen receives EU approval for diabetes drug Invokana

Janssen has announced that its new type 2 diabetes drug Invokana has been approved by the European Commission.

The oral once-daily medication has been ratified for use in improving glycaemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes, both as a monotherapy and as an add-on treatment with other anti-hyperglycaemic medicinal products, including insulin.

Data from phase III clinical trials has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the drug and its advantages compared to other therapies. It has also been approved by regulatory bodies in the US and Australia.

Invokana belongs to a new class of medications called sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, which could have numerous benefits for diabetes patients.

Jane Griffiths, company group chairman for Janssen in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: "We are delighted that Invokana has been approved for use in Europe, as it presents another innovative treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, helping them manage this progressive disease."

This comes after the company was filed for European regulatory approval for its new drug ibrutinib in two blood cancer indications at the end of last month.