The European medicines regulator has recommended approval for two groundbreaking diabetes drugs.
A committee of the European Medicines Agency last week put its stamp on a fast-acting version of Liumjev (insulin lispro, Eli Lilly), and oral insulin alternative Rybelsus (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk).
Rybelsus is the first of its kind: a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist treatment developed for oral rather than injectable use. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September to improve control of blood sugar in adult patients with type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise.
Liumjev is a new, fast-acting version of insulin lispro developed for the treatment of adults with diabetes. The drug is being evaluated for use in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to reduce blood glucose. The EU nod is believed to be the first approval worldwide of this form of the medication, according to MedScape Medical News.
The recommendations are a last step before final approval is given by the European Commission. The greenlight by that body often follows the European Medicines Agency’s recommendations within a couple of months, according to Reuters.
