Sanofi Diabetes Drug Given Go-Ahead In Europe

Sanofi announced today that its injectable diabetes drug Lyxumia has been given the go-ahead by regulators for sale in Europe. Lyxumia, also known by its generic name lixisenatide, is taken once a day in conjunction with other drugs or insulin, by patients who are otherwise unable to control their blood sugar levels.

It has been reported by Reuters that French drug maker Sanofi, is pinning its hopes on Lyxumia to restore growth after losing several of its big name products to generic competition.

The newly approved drug showed beneficial impact on blood sugar levels and control, as well as weight loss, according to 11 clinical trials carried out in more than 5,000 type 2-diabetes patients.

The marketing authorisation for Lyxumia is applicable to the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway, and applications are also pending in several other countries.

Sanofi also said last week that it expects the US Food and Drug Administration to rule on its application for a new multiple sclerosis treatment called Lemtrada by the second half of this year.