FDA Approves New Route of Administration for Sanofi-Aventis (France)'s Rapid-Acting Apidra(R)
The approval provides an additional treatment option for the many hospitalized diabetes patients who may benefit from intravenous insulin therapy in a clinical setting.
The FDA based its decision on results from a randomized, open-label, two- way crossover study of 16 healthy male subjects who received an intravenous infusion of Apidra or regular human insulin with saline diluent at a rate of 0.8 IU/kg/min for two hours. Infusion of the same dose of Apidra or regular human insulin produced equivalent glucose disposal at steady state.
"Many of the patients I treat in the inpatient setting have diabetes and require intravenous insulin," said Christopher A Newton, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. "The new indication for Apidra is an important development, as it gives clinicians a new option to help achieve and maintain blood glucose control in these patients in this setting."
Apidra was approved in April of 2004 for the treatment of adult patients with diabetes mellitus for the control of hyperglycemia.
In addition to intravenous use, when treating type 1 or type 2 diabetes patients with hyperglycemia in a clinical setting, Apidra can be administered subcutaneously in vial form, insulin pen, or external insulin infusion pump. OptiClik is the reusable insulin delivery device (insulin pen) for use with a 3-mL Apidra cartridge (U-100).
Sanofi-aventis' insulin portfolio also includes once-daily, 24-hour, long- acting Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), the number one prescribed insulin in the world.
About Apidra
Apidra is a rapid-acting insulin that offers patients mealtime dosing flexibility-it can be taken within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Apidra is also flexible for use in diabetes patients with diverse body types from lean to obese. Nearly 9 out of 10 people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes are overweight, and for patients that require insulin therapy, this presents an additional challenge, as being overweight can affect the speed at which insulin is absorbed by the body. In clinical studies, Apidra was found to maintain its rapid onset of action and absorption when it was given to subjects with lean to obese body types.
About Lantus
Lantus, the number one prescribed insulin in the world, is the only 24- hour insulin approved exclusively for use once a day. Insulins have what is called a "peak of action" which refers to the time at which insulin reaches its maximum effect in the body. With Lantus, the insulin is released into the bloodstream at a relatively constant rate throughout the day and night; therefore it has no pronounced peak.
Important Safety Information for Apidra
Apidra is for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. Apidra should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin. Do not use Apidra during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to insulin glulisine.
OptiClik is a reusable insulin delivery device (insulin pen) for use with a 3-mL Apidra cartridge (U-100). Needles and the OptiClik pen must not be shared.
Apidra differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset and shorter duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Due to the short duration of action of Apidra, patients also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Possible side effects may include low blood sugar; injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site; and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.
Please visit www.Apidra.com for full prescribing information.
Important Safety Information for Lantus
Prescription Lantus is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.
DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus, is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.
Please visit www.Lantus.com for full prescribing information.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY - News).
Forward Looking Statements
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U.S. contact: Julissa Viana, 908-981-6575, julissa.viana@sanofi-aventis.com US.GLU.07.05.008
Source: sanofi-aventis