Astra says Onglyza gets EC green light

5th Oct 2009 16:15

Anglo-Swedish drugs company AstraZeneca said the European Commission has given marketing authorisation for the type 2 diabetes treatment Onglyza.The drug is the first to be launched by Astra in Europe through its worldwide collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb; the two companies have pooled resources to esearch, develop and commercialise select investigational medicines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.'The European Commission decision marks an important milestone in the alliance between Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. Our legacy in treating type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, together with our knowledge and expertise, enables us to deliver to patients a medicine that will offer further choice for the treatment of this serious condition,' said Béatrice Cazala, Bristol-Myers Squibb's president Europe and president of global commercialisation.The launch of Onglyza in Europe is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2009.