GSK (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced that once-weekly Tanzeum (albiglutide), a prescription injectable treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, is now available in pharmacies throughout the U.S.
Cheryl MacDiarmid, Vice President of GSK's General Medicine business said, "With approximately 21 million adults diagnosed with diabetes in the US, and up to 95 percent of those patients living with type 2 diabetes, we're excited that for the appropriate patients Tanzeum is now available as a treatment option for healthcare professionals."
Tanzeum, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is a once weekly option for patients, in combination with some other glucose-lowering medicines. The medicine was approved by the FDA on April 15, 2014 as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tanzeum is not recommended as first-line therapy for patients inadequately controlled on diet and exercise. Tanzeum has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Other antidiabetic therapies should be considered in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Tanzeum is not indicated in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Tanzeum is not a substitute for insulin in these patients. Tanzeum has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis. The use of Tanzeum is not recommended in patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disease. Tanzeum has not been studied in combination with prandial insulin.
MacDiarmid continued, "GSK has a commitment to taking a responsible approach to pricing. Tanzeum has been priced in line with this commitment."