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Canagliflozin Information and Uses

Canagliflozin Overview

Canagliflozin is an investigational, oral, once-daily medication for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes. If approved by the FDA later this year, it would be the first in this new class of diabetes therapies available in the U.S. The kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes reabsorb greater amounts of glucose back into the body compared to people who do not have diabetes, which may contribute to elevated glucose levels. Canagliflozin, a selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, blocks the reabsorption of glucose by the kidney, increasing glucose excretion, and lowering blood glucose levels in people with diabetes who have elevated blood glucose levels.

 

Uses of Canagliflozin

Canagliflozin, an investigational sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor is being studied for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. 

SGLT2 inhibitors, a new class of medications, block the reabsorption of glucose by the kidney, increase glucose excretion, and lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes who have high blood glucose levels.

Canagliflozin was given to patients at 100 mg and 300 mg once-daily doses and compared to placebo (sugar pill), and other diabetes medications, in a Phase 3 clinical program that included 10,285 patients in nine studies. Results showed that canagliflozin treatment led to improved blood sugar control and was linked to weight loss and reduced blood pressure.

Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, however, the medication was associated with heart, kidney and bone-related complications as well as certain types of infection.

If the FDA approves canagliflozin later this year, it will be marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals under the trade name Invokana.