Biocon Limited, a global biopharmaceutical company, has announced the launch of its GLP-1 peptide, Liraglutide, for diabetes and obesity, in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The drug-device combination will be marketed in the UK under the brand names Liraglutide Biocon for diabetes (gVictoza) and Biolide for chronic weight management (gSaxenda).
The launch follows the approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK, earlier this year, making Biocon Limited the first generics company to obtain approval for gLiraglutide in a major regulated market.
Siddharth Mittal, chief executive officer and managing director, Biocon, said, “The launch of our gLiraglutide for diabetes and obesity in the UK marks a significant milestone for Biocon. Making this GLP-1 peptide more accessible and affordable to patients dealing with these conditions is testament to our commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes across the globe. The timely launch will offer healthcare providers and patients affordable access to this drug and help fulfill an unmet need. The launch also underpins Biocon’s scientific and manufacturing capabilities in developing and bringing to market complex, vertically integrated, GLP-1 formulations. We will continue to focus our efforts towards expanding the reach of gLiraglutide into other European markets, the U.S. and select MoW geographies, as well as enhancing our pipeline of GLP-1 peptide products.”
With GLP-1 therapies projected to be a substantive future growth driver for Biocon, the Company remains committed to reinforcing its position as a key player in this area.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are medications that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. They are physiological hormones that have multiple actions on glucose, mediated by the GLP-1 receptors released from gut enteroendocrine cells and control meal-related glycemic excursions through augmentation of insulin and inhibition of glucagon secretion. GLP-1 also inhibits gastric emptying and food intake actions, maximizing nutrient absorption while limiting weight gain.
Liraglutide is a synthetic analog of GLP-1 peptide and is administered as a once-daily injection. It was approved for medical use in the European Union in 2009, and in the United States in 2010. Liraglutide was approved by the US FDA in 2014, and by the EMA a year later, for adults who are either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
