Xigduo Becomes First SGLT-2 Inhibitor/Metformin Fixed Dose Combination Approved for Type 2 Diabetes
On January 22, AstraZeneca (AZ) announced the approval of Xigduo (dapagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Europe. The drug is a combination of the SGLT-2 inhibitor Forxiga (dapagliflozin) with metformin. This makes Xigduo the first SGLT-2 inhibitor/metformin fixed-dose combination to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world.
Xigduo will be available as twice-daily tablets and in two dosages in Europe – with 5 mg Forxiga (named Farxiga in the US) and either 850 mg or 1,000 mg of metformin. AZ is also working on a once-daily dapagliflozin/metformin medication in the US and the company expects a decision from the FDA by the end of this year. Fixed dose combinations are a big win for patients, as they can reduce co-pays and the burden of taking many pills. Multiple companies are now working on different combinations of diabetes medications, including SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, and metformin. Hopefully these more patient-friendly combinations will be able to make diabetes management less of a hassle on a day-to-day basis. –NL