AstraZeneca announced positive results of two pooled analyses involving more than 4,600 patients with type 2 diabetes.
The two analyses are being presented at the 76th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in New Orleans.
In one analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney impairment the company’s Farxiga reduced body weight and blood pressure when compared to placebo as well as reducing the presence of urine albumin in some patients.
Farxiga prevents some absorption of sugar in he kidneys.
Hiddo Lambers Heerspink, clinical pharmacologist in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacology at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands and lead investigator of the study, said:
“Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has renal impairment. This study is important as it helps further the understanding of dapagliflozin in type 2 diabetes patients with varying degrees of renal impairment.”2
Farxiga is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Farxiga is not indicated for weight loss or the treatment of hypertension.”
Jim McDermott, head of medical, US Medical Affairs, Diabetes, AstraZeneca said: “Physicians are often faced with difficult decisions on how to most effectively treat patients with type 2 diabetes with serious complications and comorbidities. For example, patients with kidney and cardiovascular disease are often being treated with concomitant medications, including potassium-sparing diuretics, to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. These analyses provide important insights and support the need for research into treating these patients.”
Farxiga is heavily advertised by the company. It was developed in partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb, with AstraZeneca doubling down on its diabetes portfolio and buying out Bristol’s share of the venture for $4.1 billion, Fierce Biotech reported.
AstraZeneca saw delays in approval of the drug and industry analysts have reduced sales estimates. However, one estimate puts sales in the blockbuster area at $1.5 billion, Fierce Biotech noted.
