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Saxagliptin/Dapagliflozin: A Review in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

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Abstract

Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin fixed-dose combination tablets (Qtern®) are indicated in the EU for the improvement of glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), either when treatment with metformin and/or a sulfonylurea plus a monocomponent of saxagliptin/dapagliflozin provides inadequate glycaemic control, or when the patient is already being treated with the free combination of saxagliptin + dapagliflozin. This narrative review summarizes pharmacological, efficacy and tolerability data relevant to the use of saxagliptin/dapagliflozin in this indication. The agents have complementary mechanisms of action, and saxagliptin/dapagliflozin fixed-dose combination tablets are bioequivalent to free combination of saxagliptin + dapagliflozin. In three phase III trials, saxagliptin + dapagliflozin + metformin was more effective at providing glycaemic control than saxagliptin + metformin or dapagliflozin + metformin in previously treated patients with T2DM and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin monotherapy or metformin plus one of the monocomponents. The combination is associated with decreased bodyweight and a low risk of hypoglycaemia. As the first dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor/sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitor fixed-dose combination available in the EU for glycaemic control in patients with T2DM, saxagliptin/dapagliflozin is a useful new option in this setting.

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Acknowledgements

During the peer review process, the manufacturer of saxagliptin/dapagliflozin was also offered an opportunity to review this article. Any changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Karly P. Garnock-Jones

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  1. Karly P. Garnock-Jones
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Correspondence to Karly P. Garnock-Jones.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

Conflict of interest

Karly Garnock-Jones is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.

Additional information

The manuscript was reviewed by: D. Bhatnagar, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England; G. Dimitriadis, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute & Diabetes Center, Athens University Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, Haidari, Greece; J. G. Eriksson, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland and Folkhalsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.

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Garnock-Jones, K.P. Saxagliptin/Dapagliflozin: A Review in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Drugs 77, 319–330 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-017-0697-1

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