Sanofi-Synthelabo (India) announced the launch of two drugs for type 2 diabetes patients in India: LYXUMIA(lixisenatide) and ZEMIGLO(gemigliptin). LYXUMIA is a once daily, non-insulin injectable drug and ZEMIGLO is a once daily, oral tablet.

Mr N. Rajaram, Country Head & General Manager - Pharmaceutical Operations said, "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. We have a diversified portfolio of oral and insulin therapies, including Lantus and Amaryl that have been supporting people in diabetes management for over a decade. The launch of two additions to Sanofi India portfolio - Lyxumia and Zemiglo, is our step forward in developing new solutions for people with type 2 diabetes. It is also a testament to Sanofi India's commitment to help to address the current treatment gaps in our country. We are excited to bring these molecules to India."

Sanofi India's integrated portfolio of marketed products provides treatment, monitoring and support at every stage of the diabetes journey. Lyxumia (lixisenatide) and Zemiglo (gemigliptin) are critical elements of this portfolio.

Dr Mubarak Naqvi, Head - Medical Affairs, India & South Asia said, "The development and clinical use of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are relatively recent advancements in the management of type 2 diabetes. 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."

He added, "Lyxumia is a right fitment for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to achieve glycemic control in combination with oral glucose-lowering medicinal products and/or basal insulin like Lantus, when these alone, do not provide adequate glycemic control. It targets the meal-time increase in blood sugar and helps patients reach their treatment targets. In addition, Gliptins are increasingly being used for people with diabetes because of their low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and overall safety and efficacy. Zemiglo, our gliptin has shown these benefits in Indian people living with diabetes."

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 has been approved in South Korea in 2012 and already has over three years of clinical experience. It is now available in India.

Lyxumia and Zemilgo are prescription drugs and are to be taken only when prescribed by the doctor.