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| |  Starlix (Nateglinide) Reduces Hba1c Levels In Type 2 Diabetes Patients BASEL, SWITZERLAND -- November 7, 2000 -- Novartis announced that an analysis of data published in the November issue of Diabetes Care show that Starlix® (nateglinide), reduced HbA1c levels comparable to metformin in patients on no previous drug therapy regimen. "Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Starlix in reducing the acute rise in glucose levels after a meal and their contribution to overall glucose control," said Edward Horton, MD, Vice President and Director of the Clinical Research at Joslin Diabetes Center and Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. "These data are significant because they show that, in patients who previously relied only on diet and exercise to manage their diabetes, Starlix enhanced long-term glucose control, as measured by HbA1c, comparable to the commonly prescribed metformin." The analysis of this double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study focused on patients whose diabetes was inadequately controlled by diet and exercise alone, a situation commonly seen by physicians. In the study, Starlix (120 mg) and metformin (500 mg) monotherapy groups achieved the same 0.8 percent adjusted mean decrease in HbA1c from baseline. In combination, Starlix and metformin achieved even greater reductions, decreasing HbA1c levels by 2.5 percent relative to placebo. The combination also had a greater effect on reducing mealtime glucose spikes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). This confirms previous data showing that the combination of Starlix plus metformin was more effective than either agent used alone. This effect was achieved with minimal weight gain and low incidence of hypoglycemia. "Starlix reduces the post-meal glucose levels by restoring the early insulin secretion lost in people with type 2 diabetes; metformin, in comparison, primarily acts on FPG," explained Dr Horton. "By combining Starlix with metformin, which has a complementary mode of action, the entire glycaemic risk can be effectively managed, with increased reductions in HbA1c to manage the chronic glucose toxicity and sustained management of the acute toxicity caused by post-meal excursions." It is estimated that 125 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes. This number is expected to increase to 300 million by the year 2025. The main cited reasons for the increasing prevalence are earlier detection, longer survival, and urbanization and lifestyle changes, such as reduced physical exercise, and dietary changes, leading to obesity.
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