A new oral drug has been launched that improves blood sugar control and promotes weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, dapagliflozin (Forxiga) is part of new group medicines called sodium-glucose contransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors, which work in a different way to existing diabetes control.

They reduce the amount of glocose reabsorbed by the kidneys so that excess glucose is filtered out of the body, along with the associated calories, through the urine. This not only lowers the blood glucose levels but also reduces weight.

Because this process occurs independently of insulin action, it means dapagliflozin can be used in combination with other commonly used diabetes medications, including insulin, as well as a monotherapy to improve glycaemic control.

The drug has been granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission and will be marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca.

Source: Podiatry Now February 2013