New diabetes treatment now available in Europe

GENEVA A new treatment for Type 2 diabetes designed to increase patient adherence has become available in Europe.

Merck Serono, a division of Germany-based Merck KGaA, has announced the availability of Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride) in powder form in 500 mg, 850 mg and 1 g strengths in France and the United Kingdom. The powder can be dissolved in water to produce a clear to slightly opalescent solution, the company said. The company said it plans to launch the drug in other European countries in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.

“Adherence to therapy is increasingly being recognized by physicians as a key condition to achieve glycemic control for patients with diabetes,” Merck Serono EVP commercial for Europe Roberto Gradnik said in a statement. “We are pleased to provide this innovative powder formulation of Glucophage to patients seeking a convenient alternative to tablets which may facilitate their adherence to treatment.”

Merck KGaA, based in Darmstadt, Germany, is distinct from Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck & Co.