AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) said it significantly reduced blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes sufferers through a new combination of existing treatments.
DURATION-8, a Phase III trial to assess GLP-1RA/SGLT-2i, a combination of BYDUREON (exenatide extended-release) and FARXIGA (dapagliflozin),
met the primary endpoint of a better performance than the single medicines alone said the pharma.
Astra’s Elisabeth Björk added: “With DURATION-8, AstraZeneca is the first company to highlight the results of combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist and SGLT-2 inhibitor as a potential treatment alternative to existing non-insulin therapies for patients with severe, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
“Further, it reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of science in the treatment of a disease that affects an estimated 415 mln adults worldwide.”
AstraZeneca shares rose 2.5% to 5,118p.
Yesterday, Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) said they would launch a new oral diabetes treatment in the US by the end of this year after it passed a phase III trial with flying colours.
Ertugliflozin, an investigational oral treatment for type 2 diabetes, met its primary endpoint of reducing A1C or blood sugar levels at 26 weeks and also a number of secondary endpoints.