Aventis updates progress on diabetes portfolio and market prospects

Franco-German drugmaker Aventis has confirmed that its Lantus (insulinglargine) could be the cornerstone of its antidiabetes franchise, with peak sales of some 1 billion euros ($880.5 million) at an R&D update presentation to analysts and selected journalists. It is already the biggest-selling insulin in the intermediate/long-acting market in Germany, with a 35% share, and the second in the USA, where it has captured 22% of this sector.

Growth of Lantus will come equally from the insulin market and insulin-naive patients, with 70% from type 2 diabetics. Moreover, the company believes that this product will expand the overall market.

Aventis plans to validate Lantus as a superior therapy compared with alternatives in the sector through an extensive and ongoing clinical trial program, initial results of which are expected in late-2002, and the remainder in 2003. Efficacy endpoints include an increased percentage of patients who have reached target blood glucose (as measured by HbA1c2 levels) and safety (incidence of hypoglycemia, weight gain and compliance).