Novartis launches trial to compare Galvus to other anti-diabetic drugs

Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical company, has announced the start of a new trial that will compare Galvus, an investigation diabetes treatment, with existing oral anti-diabetic treatments.

The three-month trial, involving over 7,500 patients, is expected to “build on” existing data for the drug, which shows that Galvus can provide “consistent, significant and sustained” reductions in blood sugar levels.

Dr Richard E Pratley, principal study investigator and professor of medicine at the University of Vermont, said that is a “great need” for people to get to their target blood sugar levels, as the number of patients in the world with “poorly controlled” type two diabetes increases.

“To do this, we need effective treatments that don’t increase the risk for hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar,” he stated.

James Shannon, head of development at Novartis Pharma, claimed the new trial demonstrates the company’s commitment to furthering the development of diabetes treatment, while providing a “robust” development programme for Galvus.

In August, Novartis announced it was seeking EU approval for the drug. Dr Shannon said the data included in the filing showed that Galvus may be a “powerful new tool” for combating diabetes.

The drug is designed to target pancreatic islet dysfunction, which is thought to be responsible for high blood sugar levels in those affected by type two diabetes.