MSD submits application to combine DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor for treatment type-2 diabetes

MSD President, Jannie Oosthuizen and Astellas Pharma President and CEO, Yoshihiko Hatanaka together announced that MSD has submitted an application for marketing approval of a combination drug of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin phosphate hydrate (brand name: JANUVIA Tablets) and the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin L-Proline (brand name: Suglat Tablets) for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in Japan.

The combination of these two drugs with different mechanisms of action for the treatment of type-2 diabetes is expected to reduce patients’ burden of taking drugs and improve their adherence. In a clinical study conducted to support this application, the drug has shown efficacy, safety and tolerability. MSD and Astellas look forward to further contributing to the treatment of diabetes by offering a new treatment option for type-2 diabetes patients who have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels with monotherapy.

JANUVIA Tablet is the first selective DPP-4 inhibitor in Japan manufactured and marketed by MSD. This once-daily inhibitor selectively inhibits DPP-4 and increases the active incretin levels, thus demonstrating glucose-dependent glucose-lowering effect.

Suglat Tablet is the first selective SGLT2 inhibitor in Japan manufactured and marketed by Astellas. With once-daily administration, it selectively inhibits SGLT2 and blocks renal glucose reuptake, thus demonstrating non-insulin-dependent glucose-lowering effect.