Details have been released about the study of a new drug called Liraglutide that increases insulin sensitivity and
decreases glucagon production.
Health professionals who recently gathered together for the European Association of the Study of Diabetes conference in Rome, were given details of a phase 3 clinical study of liraglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
The international trial involved 4,000 people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Once liraglutide has been approved it will be used as an addition to metformin. This can be enhanced by adding a
glitazone, only if the licence allows it when granted.
Liraglutide increases the quantity and the quality of a patient's remaining beta cells, increases insulin sensitivity and decreases glucagon production. It also has the advantage of reducing the appetite and helps to keep weight down.
Gwen Hall, DRWF Editorial Advisory Board says, “Liraglutide is a GLP-1, which is a new class of drug being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as is the new weekly Exenatide injection. These drugs are in the same class, but have different durations of action. They are not licenced yet so there is no guidance on how they will be used”.