Ipragliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing non-communicable chronic disease worldwide. One of the newer treatment options is the class of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors that offer improved glycemia through increased urinary glucose excretion. The class has shown to be effective, safe and well-tolerated in newly diagnosed and long-standing diabetes. Additional benefits of the inhibitors include low risk of hypoglycemia and weight loss.

Areas covered: This perspective reviews ipragliflozin – a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor – that has gained approval for clinical use in Type 2 diabetes in Japan. The paper discusses pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of the drug.

Expert opinion: Due to its efficacy (hemoglobin A1c reduction of ≈1%), safety (low risk of hypoglycemia and very low rate of urinary tract infections), favorable PK interaction with other anti-diabetes medications and mechanism of action that is independent from β-cell function and insulin sensitivity, ipragliflozin can be used as a monotherapy or as an add-on to other agents in any stage of Type 2 diabetes.

Keywords:

• diabetes
• glucose
• ipragliflozin
• sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.