Pharmaceutical and bio-technology company Merck Serono works to improve Diabetes treatments with the launch of an improved drug treatment.
Riyadh, KSA -- An enhanced drug treatment has been launched to address the growing problem of Type 2 diabetes. The 'Glucophage XR' launch was announced during medical symposia held in both Jeddah and Riyadh, which were attended by physicians drawn from throughout the region to discuss the latest advances in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Internationally renowned expert of diabetes medicine Prof. Philip David Home, Professor of diabetes from Newcastle University, made the keynote presentation entitled "Implementing practical policies for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes"
The symposia addressed the issues relating to Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. The major identified risk factors for adverse outcome in diabetes included high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking. It was agreed that most diabetes patients respond to lifestyle intervention, so a core part of any diabetes management remains lifestyle change both in terms of physical exercise and nutrition. Discussions also centered on the need for greater provision of exercise facilities in the Kingdom, and an increased awareness of healthy lifestyle choices including smoking cessation and the adoption of a healthier diet.
The second speaker, Dr Harry Howlett from London, a specialist in diabetes research and education, outlined the role of metformin in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. He pointed out that whilst metformin was at the core of management guidelines in 2011 alongside lifestyle, and in preference to other therapies, patient adherence was sub-optimal. Limitations were described as the multiple dosing schedules and the presence of dose limiting gastrointestinal side effects 1, 2, 3. In contrast, a review of the trial evidence base created in the United States and the UK for the once-a-day extended release metformin formulation (Glucophage XR) showed that three out of four patients intolerant to standard metformin could be maintained on the new once-a-day formulation at dosages of 1500 - 2000mg per day4.
The once daily formulation of Glucophage XR5 aims at simplifying drug regimen and optimizing standard metformin therapy.
Commenting on the importance of the launch of the new 'Glucophage XR' diabetes treatment in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ali Sleiman, Therapeutic Area Manager in diabetes for Merck Serono Middle East said; "Discussions held during the symposium made it very clear that the incidence of diabetes or related symptoms is on the rise in Saudi Arabia. Merck Serono will continue to launch innovative treatments to help contain diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It is estimated that anywhere between 20 and 25 per cent of the country has diabetes or related symptoms6. Furthermore, the diabetic population is becoming younger with diagnosis occurring at an earlier age. The early onset and early death and or disablement resulting from Type 2 diabetes prevents people from living the full life they would wish, and all too often removes them at a productive age from contributing to society.
The symposium was held in the Leylaty Ballroom in Jeddah and then in Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.
References
1. Paes AHP et al. Diabetes Care 1997;20(10):1512-17
2. Garber AJ et al. Am J Med 1997;103:491-7
3. Krentz AJ et al. Drug Saf 1994;11:223-41.
4. Feher. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2007; 7: 225-8
5. Glucophage® XR Summary of Product Characteristics
6. Al Nozha et al. Saudi Med J. 2004 Nov;25(11):1603-10.
-Ends-
About Merck Serono Middle East
Merck Serono Middle East is an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. The company focuses on the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs: cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, endocrine, metabolic disorders, and cardiometabolic diseases. Merck Serono makes a difference through focused innovations in its core therapeutic areas along with novel, patient-friendly drug delivery systems.
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates through separately incorporated affiliates.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®, cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®, interferon beta-1a), infertility (Gonal-f®, follitropin alfa), endocrine and metabolic disorders (Saizen® and Serostim®, somatropin), (Kuvan®, sapropterin dihydrochloride) as well as cardiometabolic diseases (Glucophage®, metformin), (Concor®, bisoprolol), (Euthyrox®, levothyroxine). Not all products are available in all markets.
With an annual R&D expenditure of over € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in rheumatology.
For more information, please visit www.merckserono.com or www.merck.de
Merck Serono
Middle East FZ LLC
P.O.Box - 22730, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971 (4) 3752700, 4992
Fax: +971 (4) 4291390
© Press Release 2011
