New type 2 diabetes drug Vokanamet gains European approval

A new combination drug for type 2 diabetes, Vokanamet, has been granted European marketing approval.
The medication is a combination treatment of Invokana and metformin. Invokana is a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor with the active ingredient canagliflozi, which helps the kidneys to more efficiently remove excess glucose from the blood. Metformin is a biguanide drug which reduces glucose production by the liver and increases sensitivity to insulin.
Whilst metformin has been prescribed for decades, Invokana is a new drug which has European approval but is awaiting approval by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Once Invokana has been approved, it is likely that Vokanamet will also be approved.
Vokanamet, which has been developed by Jansse, a part of Johnson and Johnso, will be available at a number of fixed doses. The combination treatment simplifies taking doses by combining the two treatments in one pill.
Whilst Invokana and Vokanamet are currently awaiting approval, the SGLT-2 inhibitor drug Forxiga has been approved and is currently available, on the NHS and NHS Scotland, on prescription to those that meet the eligibility criteria.