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Daiichi Sankyo Inc. announced that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its drug Welchol that improves glycemic control when combined with metformin, sulfonylureas or insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Welchol becomes the only FDA approved medication that reduces both glucose levels and low density lipoprotien cholesterol levels (LDL-C). The American Diabetes Association estimates that 40% of patients with Type 2 diabetes also have increased levels of LDL-C and Welchol affords the opportunity to treat both conditions with one medication.

"We are excited by the opportunity to help more patients with chronic conditions reach their recommended health goals," said Joseph P. Pieroni, President and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. "This approval represents an important milestone for our growing U.S. organization and underscores our continued commitment to combating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases."

Since 2000 Welchol, a bile sequestrant, has been used either alone or with a statin for the reduction of high LDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. The fact that the body does not absorb the drug and it is eliminated from the body without passing through the liver or kidneys makes it a unique medication amongst cholesterol lowering drugs.

[Source: PRNewsWire]