Glenmark launches fixed-dose combination drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes

INDIA —Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched a new anti-diabetic drug, Zita D for the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients, particularly the ones with comorbid conditions.

The company said that the drug will be sold under the brand name Zita D containing teneligliptin (20mg) and dapagliflozin (5mg/10mg) fixed-dose combination.

Zita D is formulated for oral intake once daily under prescription to improve glycemic control and prevent complications in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.

While Zita D is a promising treatment option in managing uncontrolled type 2 diabetes with comorbidities, this fixed-dose combination has also proven to be effective among adult diabetic patients without comorbidities.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes prevalence is projected to increase to 125 million by 2045. Out of these, 77% of patients have uncontrolled diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes means that the patient’s blood sugar levels are too high, even if the disease is being managed with therapies.

Furthermore, about 8 out of 10 patients with diabetes also have one or more comorbidity in India. The alarming situation necessitates the launch of more such medicines and lifestyle changes.

In global context, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projects that 537 million adults aged 20 to 79 had diabetes in 2021, with the number expected to rise to 783 million by 2045.

Furthermore, 541 million adults have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), which puts them at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s ability to regulate sugar is impaired, primarily due to cells responding poorly to insulin, resulting in a high level of sugar circulating in the bloodstream.

Diabetes is a key area of focus for Glenmark, and most recently it launched another anti-diabetic drug T Lobeglitazone to treat patients with insulin-resistant diabetes in adults.

The Mumbai-based drug firm launched the medication under the brand name LOBG and is priced at around Rs 10 (US$0.12) per tablet.

According to Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Indians have a high prevalence of insulin resistance, which makes LOBG an appealing treatment option in managing uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes among insulin-resistant diabetic patients.

Glenmark’s Lobeglitazone will provide not only improve glycemic(sugar) levels in uncontrolled diabetics, but it will also create a new pathway to treat insulin resistance in India. Around 40% of diabetics in India suffer from Insulin resistance.

Meanwhile, a new WHO report has shown that almost 500 million people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other diseases attributable to physical inactivity if governments don’t take action to encourage more physical activity among populations.

According to the WHO, the economic burden of physical inactivity is significant, and the cost of treating new cases of preventable noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) will reach nearly US$300 billion by 2030.

WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 offers 20 policy recommendations to help countries increase physical activity, including policies to create safer roads to encourage more active transportation and to provide more programs and opportunities for physical activity in key settings such as childcare, schools, primary health care, and the workplace.

The report urges countries to prioritize physical activity as a key component of improving health and combating NCDs, to incorporate physical activity into all relevant policies, and to develop tools, guidance, and training to improve implementation.

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