Canagliflozin approved for type 2 diabetes

Abstract

FDA and Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. on March 29 announced the approval of canagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Canagliflozin, or Invokana, is a once-daily oral therapy that should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug is not recommended for use in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Canagliflozin is contraindicated in patients undergoing dialysis and those with severe kidney impairment or end-stage renal disease. According to FDA, canagliflozin is a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and the first drug in this class to be approved by the agency. The labeling for canagliflozin states that it inhibits glucose reabsorption by the kidney, resulting in increased urinary excretion of glucose. Canagliflozin has been studied as a standalone therapy and in combination with metformin, a sulfonylurea, metformin and a sulfonylurea, and metformin and a thiazolidinedione, as well as in combination with insulin with or without other antihyperglycemic agents.