Alternative to empagliflozin?

What are the alternatives to empagliflozin for treating type 2 diabetes?

Empagliflozin, marketed as Jardiance, is a popular sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, other medications have emerged as viable alternatives for patients who cannot use or are not responding to empagliflozin [1].

How does canagliflozin compare with empagliflozin?

Canagliflozin, marketed as Invokana, is another SGLT2 inhibitor with similar efficacy and safety profiles to empagliflozin. Studies have shown that canagliflozin is effective in reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes [2]. Canagliflozin has been shown to have a longer time on market than empagliflozin and therefore, there is extensive data available regarding long-term patient outcomes when using this medication.

What about dapagliflozin?

Dapagliflozin, marketed as Farxiga, is another SGLT2 inhibitor that has been shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin has a slightly different mechanism of action compared to empagliflozin and canagliflozin, and has been shown to have a positive effect on heart failure outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes [3].

What about SGLT1 inhibitors?

Newer SGLT1 inhibitors, such as sotagliflozin and ertugliflozin, have been developed and are in various stages of clinical trials. Sotagliflozin has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes [4]. However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these newer agents.

How long does the patent protect empagliflozin exclusive rights?

The patent for empagliflozin expired in the European Union in February 2022. This means that generic versions of the medication are now available on the market. In the United States, the patent for empagliflozin expired in 2023 [5].

What concerns do patients have when switching from empagliflozin to other medications?

Some patients may experience a change in side effect profile or efficacy when switching from empagliflozin to another SGLT2 inhibitor. It is essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for their specific needs [6].

Sources:

[1] http://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/emperor-of-diabetes-jardiance-empagliflozin/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344446/

[3] https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.j4959

[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91123-x

[5] http://www.drugwatch.com/drug/patent-expiration/emperor-of-diabetes/jardiance-empagliflozin/

[6] https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/treatment/slti#patient-stories