Mumbai, India (CU)_ Novo Nordisk India has developed an oral version of an anti-diabetic medication that was previously accessible only in the form of injection. The company claims that the new drug can assist individuals with type-2 diabetes better regulate their blood sugar levels and weight. The firm stated that the new drug has passed ten rigorous Phase 3a clinical studies in different countries, including India. According to Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director of the pharma firm, the past and the current global studies involving oral semaglutide have engaged over 10,000 patients, including over 1,000 from India.
Novo Nordisk stated that it has devoted 15 years of continuous research and hard work to bring semaglutide’s oral formulation to market. In 2020, it was awarded the Prix Galien, the industry’s most prestigious prize, for this innovation. The Drugs Controller General of India authorized the medication in 2020. Dr Shashank Joshi, a Lilavati Hospital consultant endocrinologist, spoke about the new drug. She stated, “Glucagon-like peptide 1 is a naturally occurring hormone and plays an important role in maintaining the normal level of glucose in the blood. Peptide and protein-based biological medicines are typically very effective, their only drawback being that they are delivered as injectables. This was a barrier to optimal diabetes management, as many people prefer pills over injections.”
Dr. V Mohan at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre in Chennai, highlighted the benefits of the new drug. He said, “People with diabetes and obesity are at an increased risk of Covid-related complications and mortality. The availability of a drug which can improve both blood glucose and body weight will be like hitting two targets with one arrow. Having such a unique molecule will be a boon for people with diabetes, especially during the pandemic.”
In India, one in every twelve individuals aged between 20 and 79 years has diabetes. 50% of persons with type-2 diabetes who use three or more oral diabetic medications do not reach their blood sugar targets. Additionally, 77% do not meet their glycemic objectives. Uncontrolled blood sugar, overweight, and a high risk of cardiovascular disease all contribute to early mortality and other consequences associated with diabetes.
