LAHORE, JULY 2018: CCL Pharmaceuticals recently launched XIGA (Dapagliflozin), a first-in-class drug for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, in a simple ceremony held in a local hotel in Lahore.
Available as 5mg or 10mg film-coated tablets, dapagliflozin is licensed for use as monotherapy when diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycaemic control, or metformin is inappropriate.
It can also be used as an add-on to other glucose-lowering medicines when these plus lifestyle changes do not keep blood sugar levels in check.
Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 protein, which is selectively expressed in the kidneys and is the main transporter responsible for glucose being reabsorbed in the kidneys and put back into the circulation.
Due to this mode of action, dapagliflozin’s efficacy is dependent on kidney function and the drug is not recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe renal impairment. Monitoring of kidney function is recommended for patients with mild renal impairment who are prescribed the drug.
In the last few years, several molecules were developed to specifically target SGLT2s. Currently there has been 4 drugs approved by FDA in the class category including canagleiflozin, dapaglfilozin, empagliflozin and ertugliflozin for use as monotherapy when diet and exercise are inadequate and when metformin is not tolerated and can also be utilized as an add-on to other glucose-lowering agents, including insulin.
In addition to providing glycemic control, this class has beneficial effects associated with lowering the blood pressure (added advantage in patients with diabetes and hypertension), weight loss, and potential cardiovascular benefits.
For further information please contact Dr. Nayyar-ul-Hassnain,
Product Manager, nayyar.hassnain@cclpharma.com
