Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca’s innovative oral pill, Saxagliptin, a boon for patients with type 2 diabetes
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease wherein the human body does not produce or properly use insulin – a hormone required to convert sugar, starches and other nutrients into energy. Characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar), the cause of diabetes continues to be investigated, and both genetic and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a role.
Associated with long-term complications that affect almost every body part of the body, diabetes is one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries. Each year, approximately four million deaths are attributed to diabetes. In 2009, diabetes was estimated to affect 285 million people globally between the ages of 20 and 79. That number is expected to increase to 438 million by 2030, when disease prevalence is likely to reach 8.4% from 7.9% in 2009.
With an estimated 50.8 million people living with diabetes, India holds the world’s largest diabetic population, followed by China with 43.2 million.
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes impede a person’s normal life. When breakdown of glucose stops completely, the body uses fat and protein for producing energy.
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Unlike type 1 where the onset can be sudden, type 2 diabetes has symptoms that develop gradually. These include fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing of wounds or sores. In some cases, there may be no symptoms.
Diabetes is a primary cause of adult blindness, end-stage renal disease, gangrene and amputations. Excess weight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increase the likelihood of diabetes. When blood sugar levels are constantly high, it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are four times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes. Globally, there are approximately 257 million people with type 2 diabetes.
The third type, gestational diabetes is a condition that can affect pregnant women. This begins when the body is unable to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. More dangerous for pregnant women and their foetus, gestational diabetes usually disappears after pregnancy.
To spread awareness about this silent killer, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) held a conference in Busan, Korea this October. Facilitated by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, the 8th International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress provided a great opportunity for scientific professionals, specialist physicians, healthcare professionals and people with diabetes to share ideas and visions for advances in diabetes. Through this conference, diabetes experts learnt about the latest developments via various studies and scientific activities.
Although diabetes mellitus is not completely curable, it can be greatly controlled if the patient is well informed and assumes full responsibility for diet, exercise and medication. Advances in diabetes research have led to better ways of controlling the disease and treating its complications. The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Asian populations is a cause for serious concern, since it represents a burden for patients as well as healthcare systems.
Currently, diabetes treatment focuses on lowering blood glucose into the normal range. Although strong evidence indicates this reduces complications, some patients may already have a two-fold increased risk of heart disease and would have lost at least half of their beta cell function by the time diabetes has been officially diagnosed. An appropriate treatment must consider not only control of blood glucose and associated prevention of micro-vascular and arterial damage, but also the risk of side effects, including hypoglycaemia (abnormally low blood sugar) and weight gain.
To ensure patient comfort, Bristol-Myers Squibb India and AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd launched their revolutionary oral pill Saxagliptin in April to treat type 2 diabetes in India. Marketed under the brand name Onglyza, Saxagliptin has been approved in 38 countries, including the United States and member-states of the European Union, and awaits regulatory review in more than 50 nations. In India, the drug is available at one-fifth the US cost.
“Saxagliptin is an innovative drug by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. India is definitely the biggest market for the drug and also the first Asian country where Saxagliptin is available.” said Mr. Alok Sonig, Managing Director, Bristol- Myers Squibb, India.
Once daily, Saxagliptin can be used in combination with commonly prescribed oral anti-diabetic medications to combat diabetes. Unlike some other drugs, Saxagliptin does not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia and is weight neutral. With Saxagliptin, diabetics may no longer need to bear painful insulin shots daily.