Santarus starts promotion of Glumetza

San Diego, USA-based Santarus, a specialty pharmaceutical firm, says it has commenced promotion of Glumetza (metformin HCl), a once-daily, extended-release formulation of the compound that incorporates patented drug delivery technology and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Santarus signed a promotion agreement with Depomed in July this year granting it exclusive rights to promote the drug in the USA.

Santarus says that Glumetza's patented delivery system may allow physicians to titrate dosing for patients up to 2,000mg a day, which is recommended by the American Diabetes Association and has been shown to result in a more optimal level of glycemic control. The product is available in a 500mg tablet and a new 1,000mg tablet that adds convenience to once daily dosing by minimizing pill burden.