Bristol-Myers Squibb India and AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd. today announced an alliance to develop and commercialize two compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both compounds were discovered by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The announcement of the alliance comes with the backing of a global alliance between the two companies launched in 2007. This is the first time that two pharmaceutical companies have joined forces to combat a disease in India.

Alok Sonig, managing director, Bristol-Myers Squibb India said, "With two compounds from our research laboratories, one being launched today, saxagliptin, and an investigational one, dapagliflozin, together with our partner AstraZeneca, we will combine the knowledge and expertise to control the condition."

Commenting on the alliance Anandh Balasundaram, Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd said, "With over 40 years of experience in cardiovascular medicines, we are keen to combine this experience with Bristol-Myers Squibb. The alliance can help to combat this disease and demonstrates a commitment to address the unmet needs of Indian patients".

The newly formed alliance announced the launch of saxagliptin, a new drug for the Indian market to combat type 2 diabetes. Introduction of saxagliptin into India comes close on the heels of the launch of the drug in the US and in Europe. India is the first Asian country where saxagliptin is available.

Most drugs for diabetes focus on controlling glucose levels at the fasting pre-meal glucose stage. As the disease progresses, a patient's glucose level cannot be measured and controlled at fasting pre-meal glucose levels alone. The spike in blood glucose levels post meals (postprandial glucose levels) also needs to be monitored and controlled. Consistently keeping postprandial glucose levels in control is difficult and usually poses a challenge. As the disease continues to progress further a measure of average blood glucose over two to three months is monitored, commonly known as the A1c level. Together, these three measures for monitoring blood glucose are known as the glucose triad. New medicines are needed to comprehensively control this glucose triad.

Saxagliptin belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. These are designed to enhance the body's ability to decrease blood sugar (glucose) when it is elevated by acting on the natural hormones, incretins, thereby increasing insulin production, and by reducing the liver's production of glucose. It is therefore able to control the glucose triad effectively.

The drug is launched in India at an affordable price which is 1/5 of US cost It is administered as a single daily 5mg dose in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve sugar control. Saxagliptin can be prescribed to patients as a standalone drug or in combination with other medicines like metformin, sulphonylurea and thiazolidinedione,

Saxagliptin does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia and is weight neutral. It does not require a dose adjustment regardless of age, gender, race, weight or hepatic impairment, stated the company release.