What exactly are the main benefits of semaglutide over the other once weekly GLP 1, dulaglutide?
The main benefits of semaglutide over dulaglutide, or maybe Trulicity, are [glycated hemoglobin] A1C reduction, as well as we are aware that from the SUSTAIN seven trial that had been just recently completed. Both the doses of semaglutide, the lower dose of 0.5 mg and the 1.0 mg dose were 0.4 A1C percentage points much better at lowering [A1C] than Trulicity. Most likely more essential from A1C lowering in this particular population is fat burning, along with in line with what we have observed through the whole semaglutide development program, the weight reduction for semaglutide vs dulaglutide was over double; so about ten to fifteen pounds, based on the serving, of weight reduction. Thus, that’s a definite advantage which was almost double that seen with dulaglutide. This’s a really good choice for a weekly GLP 1 agent that we are excited about, due to the mixture of those, together with the lower risk of hypoglycemia.
Discuss the value of the SUSTAIN six results for semaglutide.
SUSTAIN six is a preapproval cardiovascular outcomes trial. We went into this not realizing that a GLP 1 agent like we have observed with Victoza (liragutide) might improve or even really prevent a CV event as we watched with Victoza. What we noticed with this particular trial – once again, preapproval, 2 year trial – was that semaglutide has become the next GLP 1 agent showing an advantage in CV risk. Thus, this’s really important for individuals, as we understand diabetes patients have some increased risk of any CV event vs non diabetes patients, that this’s an immensely important element of their management. Thus, simply lowering A1C is great, weight reduction is great, but in case we are able to better their CV risk, with an agent as Victoza, and that is now marketed, or possibly semaglutide, then that could be a huge advantage.
Which people may be the greatest candidates for semaglutide?
Any candidate who’d be a candidate for a GLP 1 agent we believe may benefit from semaglutide. We go along with others in the market and in individual groups that GLP 1 agents will be utilized in the therapy of type two diabetes. GLP-1 agents constitute under ten % of all diabetes prescriptions. Thus, the aim will be that primary care physicians initiating the very first injectable early on in treatment can pick an agent as semaglutide and see the final results that we have seen – the strong results we have seen – in the SUSTAIN system. We are not looking to shoot various other agent market share almost as we are seeking to develop the GLP 1 space that’s much underutilized, as GLP 1 agents are extremely good to exceptional agents for type two diabetes. The standard patient is gon na be somebody who must take two plus oral agents and who’s likely to get an injection. Those brand new to injections are going to be the people who’ll select a weekly agent over an everyday agent, based on our research. These individuals are perfect to buy Semaglutide UK.
Did you’ve discussions with payers before FDA approval? Do payers find out the importance of semaglutide?
You’ve to begin soon depending on the payer schedule of the formulary access and their choices. We have had several weeks just where we have given the medical picture and also the medical outcomes from the SUSTAIN system for semaglutide, which continues to be really well received – both from thought leaders in the community but, much more notably, payers now want at this information and agreeing that this’s a really powerful agent with A1C lowering, weight reduction, in addition to the low risk of hypos. They’re excited to experience this. With regard to the particular pricing discussions, those will come once we’ve the final label, & we wish to swiftly switch that around [in case] the approval is packaged in only a couple of months, then gradually and slowly have formulary access in 2018 to allow for semaglutide launch.