Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has announced U.S. FDA has approved Glucovance (Glyburide and Metformin HCl Tablets) for use, along with diet and exercise, as initial drug therapy for people with type 2 diabetes.
The drug was also approved as second-line therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes who are currently taking either or a sulfonylurea and a regimen of diet and exercise, but whose blood sugar levels are inadequately controlled.
Glucovance combines glyburide and Glucophage — the two most widely prescribed oral antidiabetic agents – – in a single pill.
These agents work together to improve blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
“Glucovance represents a new approach to managing type 2 diabetes,” said Richard J. Lane, president, Worldwide Medicines Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb.
“It is our hope that the introduction of this novel agent could change the treatment paradigm for the more than 15 million patients in the U.S. with this condition.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a $20 billion diversified, global health and personal care company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life.