Glenmark launches new diabetes drug in India

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ (BSE: 532296) shares rose 1.2% to 408.75 rupees today, after the Indian drugmaker announced that it became the first company in India to launch thiazolidinedione lobeglitazone for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.

Marketed under the brand name LOBG; it contains lobeglitazone (0.5mg) and to be taken once daily under prescription to improve glycemic control in adult diabetic patients. Indians have a high prevalence of insulin resistance and that makes LOBG an appealing treatment option in managing uncontrolled type 2 diabetes among insulin‐resistant diabetic patients.

Glenmark earlier received approval from the Indian drug regulator, Drug Controller General of India, for manufacturing and marketing lobeglitazone based on a randomized, double‐blind Phase III clinical trial conducted on adult type 2 diabetic patients, aged 18 years and older. The results of this trial have shown a faster and improved glycemic control with lobeglitazone.