GlaxoSmithKline wins positive opinion on diabetes treatment

24th Jan 2014 11:12

Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline said on Friday that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended marketing authorisation for its albiglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes. The decision by the CHMO, which is part of the European Medicines Agency, was hailed by the company as a "major milestone". Based on an evaluation of a comprehensive global programme of studies involving more than 5,000 patients, it is one of the final steps before the European Commission makes the final decision on marketing authorisation. Albiglutide, which goes under the brand name Eperzan, is a once-weekly treatment to improve glycaemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.It is currently undergoing review by other authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration, but has not yet been approved for use anywhere in the world. "Today's positive opinion is a major milestone towards offering people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes a new option to help manage their condition and we look forward to the final decision of the European Commission in the coming months," said Dr Carlo Russo, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at GSK. "Diabetes is a global health problem, affecting over 300m people worldwide. Albiglutide has the potential to help many patients with type 2 diabetes who struggle to control their blood glucose levels."NR