FDA Approves New Type 2 Diabetes Drug

The FDA has approved dapagliflozin—a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor that blocks the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys—in conjunction with diet modification and exercise to treat adults with type 2 diabetes.

By blocking glucose reabsorption, the drug increases glucose excretion and lowers blood glucose levels. The efficacy and safety was studied in 16 clinical trials involving over 9400 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Dapagliflozin is not recommended for patients with bladder cancer, renal impairment, renal disease, or diabetic ketoacidosis, or for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

The most common side effects included fungal and urinary tract infections, as well as hypotension, dizziness, and declines renal function, all associated with dehydration.

–Michael Potts

Reference

FDA approves Farxiga to treat type 2 diabetes [press release]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. January 8, 2014.