Merck Serono launches Glucophage powder in first European countries

Merck Serono's Glucophage powder for oral solution in sachets, (metformin hydrochloride) indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, is now licensed in France and the UK. Launches in other European countries will take place once individual marketing authorisations are granted.

Bioequivalent to Glucophage tablets, the new powder formulation, in 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg strengths, can be easily dissolved in water to produce a clear to slightly opalescent solution. It is available only in 500mg and 1000mg strengths in the UK.

"Adherence to therapy is increasingly being recognised by physicians as a key condition to achieve glycaemic control for patients with diabetes," said Roberto Gradnik, executive vice president, Commercial Europe at Merck Serono. "We are pleased to provide this innovative powder formulation of Glucophage to patients seeking a convenient alternative to tablets which may facilitate their adherence to treatment."

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that diabetes currently affects 246 million people worldwide, representing around 6% of the adult population. This number is expected to rise to 380 million by 2025. Type 2 diabetes constitutes 85-95% of all diabetes cases in developed countries and a higher percentage in developing countries. The IDF recommends that metformin remains a drug of choice for first-line therapy of type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) advise that metformin therapy should be initiated concurrently with lifestyle intervention at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. However the current therapeutic indication for Glucophage remains the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in overweight patients, when dietary management and exercise alone does not result in adequate glycaemic control.