October 2009

New Type 2 Diabetes Drug Onglyza Approved

On July 31, 2009 the FDA approved Onglyza, a once-daily treatment for type 2 diabetes to be taken in combination with diet and exercise…

ONglyza carries the generic name saxagliptin. It belongs to a class of type 2 diabetes drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors. The first drug in this class, Merck’s Januvia, was approved in 2006. Like Onglyza, Januvia is taken once-dialy and is to be used in combination with diet and exercise.

All Dpp-4 inhibitors work the same way, by blocking an enzyme that degrades GLP-1, a short-lived hormone that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, Thereby lowering blood sugar. Patients taking Dpp-4 inhibitors have higher GLP-1 levels and lower blood sugar levels.

The most common side effects observed with Onglyza are upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and headache. Other side effects include allergic-like reactions such as rash and hives.

SOURCE: DeNoon, D.J. (2009). New type 2 diabetes drug Onglyza approved. WebMD. Available on-line at http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20090731/new-type-2-diabetes-drug-onglyza-approved Retrieved 10/5/2009.

SUBMITTED BY: Rhonda S. Olson, MS, RN, CRRN