Takeda Pharmaceutical receives FDA approval for Type 2 diabetes drug

DEERFIELD, Ill. A subsidiary of a Japan-based company announced the FDA approval of an extended-release version of the combination medication ACTOplus met (pioglitazone HCl and metformin HCl) as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Takeda Pharmaceutical North America's ACTOplus met XR is the first and only prescription oral antidiabetic fixed-dose combination medication available with the extended-release form of metformin to help improve glycemic control in a convenient, once-daily dosing option.

ACTOplus met XR is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes who are already treated with ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) and metformin or who have inadequate glycemic control on ACTOS or metformin alone.

ACTOplus met XR combines ACTOS and metformin, two widely-used medications in a single tablet. ACTOS directly targets insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not efficiently use the insulin it produces. Metformin acts by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. These medications work in combination to help patients with type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels.

Extended-release metformin, one of the active ingredients in ACTOplus met XR, was developed by Watson Laboratories, a subsidiary of Watson Pharmaceuticals and licensed to Takeda Pharmaceutical. Takeda expects ACTOplus met XR to be available later this calendar year.