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Sanofi diabetes drug gets European approval

24 Jul 2008

Apidra, the diabetes drug from Sanofi-aventis, has been granted approval by the European commission for use in children and adolescents.

The company says the decision means children aged six years and over will be able to use the medicine as part of a treatment plan, ordinarily in combination with a basal insulin product.

It claims the drug offers an ease of use which makes it a convenient option for the delivery of accurate doses close to mealtimes.

Riccardo Perfetti, senior medical director for the firm's diabetes-metabolism franchise, commented: "Sanofi-aventis recognises the many challenges faced by children with diabetes and their families, and is committed to providing paediatric patients and their healthcare providers with new treatment options."

The company last month said the results of a clinical trial had shown its drug rimonabant had significantly improved glucose control in type-two diabetes patients treated with insulin.

It reported glucose control was three times more apparent when the medicine was administered than with insulin and lifestyle advice alone.