Cheap diabetes medication could save the NHS GBP70m

A new once-daily prescription medication for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes is now available in the UK.
Lyxumia (Lixisenatide) is part of a class of injectable treatments called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help reduce the rise in blood glucose levels after meals.
Injected once a day before a main meal, it helps type 2 diabetes sufferers achieve glycemic control in combination with oral glucose-lowering drugs and / or basal insulin. It also has the added benefit of helping patients lose weight.
The European Commission granted Marketing Authorisation in Europe for Lyxumia in February after clinical trials of the drug showed that it demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c, a pronounced post-prandial glucose lowering effect and a beneficial effect on body weight in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. It also reduced the risk of hypoglycemia by two thirds when compared with another GLP-1-based drug.
“The trial results were fantastic and it looks like it will benefit between 40% and 50% of patients,” diabetes expert Professor Tony Barnett said.
At £1.90 per daily dose or around £54 for a 28-day supply, manufacturer Sanofi claims it is 25% cheaper than similar existing treatments and has the potential to save the NHS up to £70 million over the next five years.
Professor Anthony Barnett, consultant physician at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, said: “The epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related disorders threatens to bankrupt the NHS. Early and aggressive treatment is critical.
“The launch of Lyxumia, which is a once daily highly effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes, is an important part of an evolution of therapies which may help to combat the potentially devastating consequences of this important disease.”