New drug approval addresses two cardiovascular risk factors
January 22, 2008
Daiichi Sankyo's Welchol, formerly approved to lower LDL-C, has been cleared to reduce blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics
Daiichi Sankyo's Welchol (colesevelam HCl) has gained approval for a new indication. It can be used to reduce AIC in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The bile acid sequestrant was approved in 2000 alone or in combination with a statin to reduce elevated LDL-C in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. The Parsippany, N.J., firm claims the product is the first and only medication approved to lower both glucose levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
