AstraZeneca has adopted the trade name Galida for its investigational drug tesaglitazar, which is being developed to target glucose and lipid abnormalities associated with type 2 diabetes and other conditions related to insulin resistance. Galida has not been approved by the FDA.

Previously referred to as AZ242, Galida belongs to a new class of dual PPAR alpha/gamma agonists that are functionally and structurally different from other PPAR gamma agonists or glitazones. Galida has been investigated to show its effect on both the blood glucose and lipid abnormalities that occur with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome. The clinical efficacy and safety of Galida is currently under investigation in a global clinical trial program.

"This is an important milestone in the development of Galida," said Adele Gulfo, Vice President, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, AstraZeneca. "Galida represents the continued commitment of AstraZeneca to deliver innovative therapies that decrease the risk, prevalence, and impact of cardiovascular disease."

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, which affects approximately 16 million people in the United States and more than 170 million people worldwide. Despite advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, diabetes still remains an under recognized epidemic worldwide. Some forecasters have suggested that the number of people with diabetes globally could double over the next 20 years.