NICE approval for newest SGLT2 inhibitor in diabetes

25 March 2015

Patients with type II diabetes will be able to get treatment with empagliflozin (Jardiance) on the NHS, NICE has ruled.

Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that prevents glucose reuptake in the kidney, leading to the excretion of excess glucose in the urine.
Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that prevents glucose reuptake in the kidney, leading to the excretion of excess glucose in the urine.

The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin has been recommended by NICE as an option for the same uses as canagliflozin (Invokana). 

Empagliflozin in a dual therapy regimen in combination with metformin is accepted as an option for treating type II diabetes when a sulfonylurea is contraindicated or not tolerated, or the person is at significant risk of hypoglycaemia or its consequences.

Further information
NICE technology appraisal TA336

It is also accepted for use in a triple therapy regimen in combination with metformin and either a sulfonylurea or a thiazolidinedione (glitazone), and for use in combination with insulin with or without other antidiabetic drugs.

The other SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (Forxiga) is recommended by NICE as an option for dual therapy in combination with metformin, but not as triple therapy.

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