Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is also developing a very promising SGLT-2 inhibitor, Invokana, at its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Similar to Forxiga, in late-stage trials, Invokana proved statistically more effective than the placebo at reducing A1C levels, while also providing modest weight loss and lower systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, it didn’t just put itself against any old placebo — it left Merck in the dust in a head-to-head trial against blockbuster diabetes drug Januvia.
Glucokinase activators
Glucokinase activators, or GKAs, are a class of type 2 diabetes drugs that would be well-suited for those not producing enough insulin. Glucokinase determines the rate of glucose metabolism and has been shown to function less in those with type 2 diabetes as compared to people without the disease.
One leading drug currently in mid-stage development is AMG 151, formerly ARRY-403, from Amgen, Inc (NASDAQ:AMGN). Amgen is utilizing technology from Array Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY)‘s glucokinase activator program, which it licensed in 2009. In early-stage trials conducted by Array, AMG 151 demonstrated effective control of glucose levels, and, more interestingly, showed even better effects when combined with existing type 2 diabetes medications metformin or Merck’s Januvia and reached maximum efficiency very quickly, after just five to seven days of treatment.
The winds of change
It’s abundantly clear that the winds of change are brewing in the diabetes sector. SGLT-2 inhibitors clearly look poised to begin to take some of the market share currently occupied by some two dozen FDA-approved treatments, especially considering that they can work independent of insulin. Other revolutionary treatment options, like GKAs, could become excellent combination therapies that further enhance the effectiveness of existing medications and could, ultimately, give existing companies producing type 2 diabetes medications, like Merck with Januvia, a chance to extend the revenue lifetime of their drug through combinations. What I can say with some certainty is that the type 2 diabetes market in 2018 will look nothing like it does now.
The article What Will Type 2 Diabetes Treatments Look Like in 5 Years? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Sean Williams.
Fool contributor Sean Williams has no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen name TMFUltraLong, track every pick he makes under the screen name TrackUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle @TMFUltraLong.The Motley Fool owns shares of Johnson & Johnson. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of, and buying calls on, Johnson & Johnson.
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