Astellas files sNDA for diabetes drug

Japanese drug major Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503) has submitted an application in Japan for the additional indication of the selective SGLT2 inhibitor Suglat (ipragliflozin L-proline) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Japan.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a disease with insulin deficiency that occurs when the β cells in the pancreas, which secrete insulin, are destroyed through immune system. It has been estimated that around 10 million people in Japan are very likely to have diabetes1. It was estimated that type 1 diabetes mellitus account for around 6% of patients with diabetes2.

Ipragliflozin is a selective SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor discovered through a research collaboration and is being jointly developed with Kotobuki. SGLTs are membrane proteins exist on the cell surface and transfer glucose into cells. SGLT2 is one subtype of SGLTs that plays a key role in the reuptake of glucose in the proximal tubule of the kidneys. By selectively inhibiting SGLT2, ipragliflozin suppresses the reuptake of glucose and reduces blood glucose levels.