Beirut, Lebanon – September 11, 2019: With a new development that holds out hope for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), MSD added a new discovery to its ongoing efforts to secure the latest innovations for the management of type 2 diabetes.
This new discovery is based on Ertugliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor indicated to improve glycemic control in adults aged 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination therapy.
Ertugliflozin demonstrated excellent glycemic control and reductions in blood pressure and weight, offering an additional treatment choice for people with type 2 diabetes. it has been studied as first-line therapy in addition to diet and exercise and as add-on to metformin in patients inadequately controlled on metformin. In both cases, ertugliflozin 5 mg and 15 mg produced significant reductions in HbA1c and body weight and numerical reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared with placebo.
“At MSD, we have remained committed to efforts in providing treatment options for patients impacted by Type 2 diabetes. We have a longstanding history in the research of treatments for diabetes and continue to further advance the care of people impacted by this disease. Our goal is to provide effective therapies to allow patients to reach their treatments goals.” said Adrian Sieberhagen, the Medical Director of MSD Levant.
On the other hand, Mr. Wissam Salibi, Managing Director of MSD – Lebanon , stated that diabetes is one of their top priorities. He added: “We have a long-term commitment and we continue to make efforts to enhance the health care of people with diabetes. The latter affects each patient differently and we continue to focus on treatments that will help limit its complications.
Dr. Paola Atallah, president of the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids, stressed on the importance of the regular communication between the physician and the patient to help control the patient’s diabetes, while continuing to raise awareness and search for treatments. “Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to health complications if neglected. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people with diabetes continues to rise globally at high rates. In 2017, there were 425 million adults between the ages of 20 to 79 years with diabetes worldwide, including 212 million undiagnosed cases of type 1 and 2 diabetes. In Lebanon, the number of people with diabetes in 2017, according to the Federation, consists of 585,400 cases, with 251,400 estimated undiagnosed cases. The number of people with diabetes in Lebanon is likely to increase if the necessary measures are not taken.”
About MSD
For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world – including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola.
About the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids
The Lebanese Society for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids is made up of members from the Lebanese Order of Physicians, dedicated to bringing together Lebanese endocrinologists, working together for the advancement and innovation of endocrinology in Lebanon. This medical committee promotes scientific exchanges between society members and other regional and international medical societies. It also works towards enhancing public awareness and encourages research related to endocrine care in Lebanon.