Sanofi India launches two new diabetes drugs

The Dollar Business Bureau

Sanofi-Synthelabo (India) Private Limited, Mumbai, a division of Sanofi announced the launch of two drugs Lyxumia and Zemiglo for type 2 diabetes patients in India. Lyxumia a non-insulin injectable drug, is prescribed once daily and Zemiglo, an oral tablet is prescribed to be taken once in a day.

India is home to second largest number of diabetics after China in the world. The International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas 2015, says India has 69.1 million diabetic patients which is expected to rise to 140 million in 2040. And 1 million deaths in India occur only due to diabetes. These alarming statistics reveal the diabetic epidemic that India is undergoing right now. Counter measures in the form of diet, exercise and drugs need to be undertaken on a war-footing by the Indian Government for long-term positive effects in its management.

Speaking about the importance of these drugs, N. Rajaram, Country Head & General Manager - Pharmaceutical Operations, Sanofi-Synthelabo (India) said in a press release, “the challenge people living with diabetes face today is to keep their glucose levels under control; nearly 50 percent of people living with diabetes remain uncontrolled. Sanofi India is proud of its strong legacy in diabetes management.” Detailing the specifics of the drugs that Sanofi-Synthelabo has come out with, Rajaram said Lyxumia and Zemiglo are forward steps that the company has taken in developing new solutions for people with type 2 diabetes.

Mubarak Naqvi, Head - Medical Affairs, India & South Asia said, “These class of drugs will help people living with diabetes reduce HbA1c and maintain their targets, with minimal chances of hypoglycemia. Lyxumia has demonstrated an added benefit of weight reduction in Type 2 diabetes patients.”

Lyxumia is widely accepted in over 70 countries worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with commercial launches in many EU countries, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and other markets. The drug awaits approval from USDA, but has been accepted and put into use in South Korea since 2012. This drug is now available in India.