Januvia and Janumet
The drug Januvia (Sitagliptin) is a relatively new DPP-IV inhibitor by OSI Pharmaceuticals that is approved for once-daily dosing. Januvia has been shown to reduce A1c levels up to 1% and to reduce fasting plasma glucose levels (FPG) by about 15 mg/dL. Unlike insulin therapy, DPP-4 inhibitors work by enhancing the body's natural ability to lower blood sugar levels.
Combined sales of Januvia and Janumet for diabetes run about $3 billion per year for Merck who markets these drugs (2010).
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 analog under development for type 2 diabetes by Novo Nordisk. As of September 2008, liraglutide is in phase 3 development for a once-daily dosing schedule.
Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that stimulates the kidneys to eliminate more glucose from the body via urine. In a 2010 study of 534 adult patients with type 2 diabetes who were already taking metformin, the 10 mg dapagliflozin daily was associated with a 0.84 percent decrease in Hb A1c levels. Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca are developing dapagliflozin together.
Canagliflozin
Canagliflozin inhibits SGLT2, a sodium-glucose co-transporter molecule and is being developed by Johnson & Johnson.
Pramlintide
Amylin analogues like pramlintide act like amylin to suppress glucagon by slowing the rate of gastric emptying. A1c levels may be reduced up to a full percentage point with use of this injected drug.
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