Health Canada Approves Janssen’s Diabetes Drug Invokana

Canadian health regulators have approved Janssen Pharmaceutical’s first-in-class diabetes drug Invokana, the company said.

The once-daily therapy used to lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes belongs to a new class of medications called sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which work by increasing the loss of glucose in urine, Janssen said May 26.

Health Canada’s approval follows a global Phase 3 clinical trial of Invokana that found both the 100 mg and 300 mg doses of the drug significantly improved glycemic control, body weight and systolic blood pressure. “In clinical trials, Invokana had a great impact on patients by improving glycemic control, while reducing body weight and systolic blood pressure," said Ronald Goldenberg, M.D., a consultant of Janssen.

Of the three million Canadians living with diabetes, 90 percent have type-2. Approximately 50 percent of patients don't reach the level of glucose control recommended by their doctor, according to the journal Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

By 2020 it’s estimated the number of Canadians with diabetes will grow to more than four million, and diabetes will cost the Canadian healthcare system $16.9 billion per year, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association. — Harry Morrison

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