Galvus cuts blood sugar in type 2 diabetes

Swiss drug major Novartis has reported data which show that its diabetes treatment Galvus (vildagliptin) brought about consistent and robust blood sugar reductions in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results also showed that, in combination with the sulfonylurea glimepride, the drug cut A1C levels 0.6% compared with glimepride alone.

The findings, which were presented at the 67th annual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago, USA, also revealed that Galvus was not linked to the weight gain or hypoglycemia associated with other diabetes treatments. Furthermore, the data showed that the frequency and severity of adverse events, including edema, was similar to placebo.

Novartis commented that the results support those from earlier studies, adding that they would be included in future regulatory submissions. Galvus is currently approved for diabetes in Brazil and Mexico, and is under European Medicines Agency (EMEA) consideration, with a decision expected before the end of the year.