by zawya.com

Enhanced Treatment for Diabetes Now in Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical and bio-technology company Merck Serono works to improve Diabetes treatments with the launch of an improved drug treatment.
Riyadh, KSA — An enhanced drug treatment has been launched to address the growing problem of Type 2 diabetes. The ‘Glucophage XR’ launch was announced during medical symposia held in both Jeddah and Riyadh, which were attended by physicians drawn from throughout the region to discuss the latest advances in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Internationally renowned expert of diabetes medicine Prof. Philip David Home, Professor of diabetes from Newcastle University, made the keynote presentation entitled “Implementing practical policies for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes”

The symposia addressed the issues relating to Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. The major identified risk factors for adverse outcome in diabetes included high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking. It was agreed that most diabetes patients respond to lifestyle intervention, so a core part of any diabetes management remains lifestyle change both in terms of physical exercise and nutrition. Discussions also centered on the need for greater provision of exercise facilities in the Kingdom, and an increased awareness of healthy lifestyle choices including smoking cessation and the adoption of a healthier diet.

The second speaker, Dr Harry Howlett from London, a specialist in diabetes research and education, outlined the role of metformin in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. He pointed out that whilst metformin was at the core of management guidelines in 2011 alongside lifestyle, and in preference to other therapies, patient adherence was sub-optimal. Limitations were described as the multiple dosing schedules and the presence of dose limiting gastrointestinal side effects ^{1, 2, 3}. In contrast, a review of the trial evidence base created in the United States and the UK for the once-a-day extended release metformin formulation (Glucophage XR) showed that three out of four patients intolerant to standard metformin could be maintained on the new once-a-day formulation at dosages of 1500 – 2000mg per day⁴.

The once daily formulation of Glucophage XR⁵ aims at simplifying drug regimen and optimizing standard metformin therapy.

Commenting on the importance of the launch of the new ‘Glucophage XR’ diabetes treatment in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ali Sleiman, Therapeutic Area Manager in diabetes for Merck Serono Middle East said; “Discussions held during the symposium made it very clear that the incidence of diabetes or related symptoms is on the rise in Saudi Arabia. Merck Serono will continue to launch innovative treatments to help contain diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is estimated that anywhere between 20 and 25 per cent of the country has diabetes or related symptoms^6. Furthermore, the diabetic population is becoming younger with diagnosis occurring at an earlier age. The early onset and early death and or disablement resulting from Type 2 diabetes prevents people from living the full life they would wish, and all too often removes them at a productive age from contributing to society.

The symposium was held in the Leylaty Ballroom in Jeddah and then in Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.

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