Takeda reports positive Phase III trial results of trelagliptin succinate to treat type 2 diabetes

Trelagliptin succinate is a once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitor that controls blood glucose levels by selectively and continually inhibiting DPP-4, which helps in increasing insulin secretion depending on blood glucose concentration.

In March 2014, the company had submitted the new drug application (NDA) to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for this compound.

DPP-4 is an enzyme that causes the inactivation of glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, two incretin hormones that play a major role in blood glucose regulation.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Development Division general manager Nancy Joseph-Ridge said the results of this trial have proved the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic agent.

"Because of the complex nature of Type 2 diabetes, it is important to tailor treatment to meet the individual needs and conditions of each patient," Joseph-Ridge said.

"I hope that this treatment, a once-weekly DPP-4 inhibitor, will become a new option for Type 2 diabetes patients."