Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim announce availability of Jentadueto tablets

Eli Lilly and CompanyMar 8 2012

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced Jentadueto™ (linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride) tablets are now available by prescription in many leading chain and independent pharmacies across the U.S.

JENTADUETO is a new prescription medication for patients who need to control their blood sugar.  Taken twice daily, it combines two diabetes medicines – the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, linagliptin and metformin – in one tablet. Linagliptin is marketed in the U.S. as Tradjenta™ 5mg once-daily tablets. JENTADUETO was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 30, 2012, as a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes when treatment with both linagliptin and metformin is appropriate. JENTADUETO is not for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine) and it has not been studied in combination with insulin. The product label contains a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic complication that can occur due to metformin accumulation during treatment with JENTADUETO.

"By combining two important diabetes medicines in a single tablet, JENTADUETO provides people with type 2 diabetes another option to control their blood sugar," said David Pass, PharmD, vice president, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Making JENTADUETO available quickly following its approval further demonstrates Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly's shared commitment to address the needs of the millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes."

JENTADUETO provides physicians with options to adjust the metformin dosing based on effectiveness and tolerability. It is available in three dosage strengths, taken twice daily: 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin hydrochloride; 2.5 mg linagliptin/850 mg metformin hydrochloride; and 2.5 mg linagliptin/1000 mg metformin hydrochloride. Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly are actively working with insurance companies on formulary coverage to have JENTADUETO reimbursed at a co-pay level similar to other preferred branded products. 

In addition, the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Programs make Boehringer Ingelheim medicines, including JENTADUETO, available free of charge to patients who are without pharmaceutical insurance coverage, and who meet certain household income levels and eligibility requirements.