Lilly reports positive trial data for new diabetes drug

Lilly has reported positive phase III clinical trial data for dulaglutide, its investigational long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue therapy for type 2 diabetes.

Results from the three completed phase III Award trials have demonstrated the drug's efficacy as a once-weekly therapy for the disease, as measured by reductions in blood glucose levels.

In addition to the completed Award-1, Award-3 and Award-5 trials, a further two studies remain ongoing and are set to conclude in the coming months.

Lilly will present detailed data from these trials at scientific meetings in 2013 and 2014, while the findings will also support the company's efforts to secure regulatory approval for the drug.

Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly Diabetes, said: "People with diabetes require different treatment options based on their individual needs. That's why Lilly Diabetes is committed to delivering a broad, comprehensive portfolio of therapies."

This comes in the same month that Lilly and partner Boehringer Ingelheim launched their new EU-approved type 2 diabetes therapy Jentadueto in the UK.