Ertugliflozin meets primary endpoint in two Phase III studies

Positive data from two Phase III studies (VERTIS MET and VERTIS SITA) of ertugliflozin, an investigational oral SGLT-2 inhibitor in development to help improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, met their primary endpoints have been presented at the 77th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in San Diego.

In the studies, both doses of ertugliflozin tested (5mg and 15mg daily) achieved statistically-significant reductions in A1C, a measure of average blood glucose over a two- to three-month timeframe, when added to metformin or in initial co-administration with sitagliptin, said the drug’s developers, Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).

“We are pleased to share these new Phase III data with the scientific community that support the product profile of ertugliflozin as add-on therapy to metformin or for first-line use when combined with sitagliptin,” said Sam Engel, associate vice president, Merck clinical research, cardiometabolic and women’s health, adding: “These studies are important milestones on our journey to bring this medicine to adults with type 2 diabetes and the physicians who care for them.”