Glenmark's anti-diabetic drug biosimilar claims to cut therapy cost by 70%

“Liraglutide has a proven efficacy in improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials on Indian adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus over a 24‐week period have demonstrated Lirafit to be effective, safe and well‐tolerated,” the company says.

According to the ICMR‐INDIAB study carried out from October 2008 and December 2020, diabetes was found to have an overall weighted prevalence of 11.4% in India.

According to IQVIA sales data covering the 12 months leading up to August 2023 (MAT August 2023), the market size for GLP‐1 RA in India is estimated to be ₹259 crore, with an annual growth rate of 108% against the corresponding period last year (MAT August 2022).

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) also recommends GLP‐1 RAs therapy for weight loss and lesser risk of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, the filing states.

“GLP‐1 RAs are recommended in the treatment guidelines by the American Diabetes Association as well as the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) Consensus Statement & European Society of Cardiology for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with co‐morbidities, like established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and obesity.” it adds.

Alok Malik, President and Business Head ‐ India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd says Liraglutide has also proven to have a positive impact on cardiac and renal safety outcomes among patients in clinical trials, making it an effective choice of treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.