AstraZeneca India has announced the launch of Qtern^® (Dapagliflozin 10mg + Saxagliptin 5mg film Coated Tablets) for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Qtern^® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Dr Anil Kukreja, Vice President, Medical Affairs and Regulatory, AstraZeneca India commenting on the launch said, “Qtern^® combines two anti-hyperglycaemic agents (SGLT-2 inhibitor and DPP-4 inhibitor) with complementary mechanisms of action in a convenient dosing option of once-daily tablet. Type-2 diabetes is a complex disease and 2 out of 3 patients remain inadequately controlled on their current glucose-lowering regimen. Qtern^®, will provide an additional oral medicine option to improve blood sugar levels with significantly low risk of hypoglycaemia.”

SGLT-2 inhibitors help patients achieve improved glycaemic control by reducing the reabsorption of glucose from the renal tubules of kidneys and enabling its removal via the urine. Dapagliflozin (SGLT-2 inhibitor), has already demonstrated reductions in HbA1c and has also shown additional advantages including weight reduction, blood pressure reduction and cardiac protection in type 2 diabetes patients as per research carried out for over 5 years. Similarly, Saxagliptin (DPP-4 Inhibitor) reduced blood glucose and has proven primary cardiovascular safety endpoint in cardiovascular outcome trial for anti-diabetes drug conducted in more than 16000 patients.

Further, DISCOVER, a large observational study enrolling more than 3000 type 2 diabetes patients in India revealed that diabetes patients in India have high mean glycosylated hemoglobin 8.6% even after 4.5 years after treatment initiation (for well controlled diabetics HbA1c should be less than 7%). These interim study findings presented at the international congress indicate need for early treatment intensification to minimize risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

Qtern^® can be given at any time in the day with or without food.