Sanofi to launch Lyxumia and Zemiglo in Indian market

Drug firm Sanofi -Synthelabo India has expanded Sanofi’s diabetes portfolio in the country with launch of two drugs – Lyxumia and Zemiglo – for lowering blood sugar levels.

Lyxumia is a once daily, non-insulin injectable drug. Lyxumia is currently approved in over 70 countries worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with commercial launches in most EU countries, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and other markets. It has been filed in the US for approvals.

Zemiglo is a once daily, oral tablet. Zemiglo belongs to the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of anti-diabetic drugs, also known as gliptins. It is a once a day, oral drug that helps to bring down the glucose levels. Being a gliptin, it ensures minimal chances of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and is weight neutral. (ie. it does not lead to weight gain or weight loss).

The dose is a single 50 mg tablet – the smallest size of gliptin, which is to be taken orally once daily and requires no dose adjustment in kidney disease. Zemiglo comes in a pack of 2 strips of 14 tablets each, priced at Rs. 42.70, per tablet. Lyxumia is a glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist, a hormone that helps normalize blood sugar levels.

It is indicated for use either on top of basal insulin like Lantus and /or in combination with oral anti-diabetic medications. It needs to be administered once daily, within the hour prior to any meal of the day. It helps the body produce more insulin when blood glucose levels become too high, and also reduces the production of glucagon, which usually acts against insulin to increase glucose levels. Lyxumia has the potential benefits of low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weight reduction.

It is the 1st drug in its class with proven cardiovascular safety in ELIXA trial. Lyxumia comes in a pre-filled pen of either 10 mcg or 20 mcg, both priced at Rs. 4,114 per pen, which is simple and easy to inject.

Zemiglo has been approved in South Korea in 2012 and already has over three years of clinical experience.