Tradjenta now available in U.S. pharmacies

INDIANAPOLIS — A new oral medication for Type 2 diabetes made by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim has become available in pharmacies, the companies said Wednesday.

Lilly and BI announced the availability of Tradjenta (linagliptin) in chain and independent pharmacies around the country.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug at the beginning of May, though Lilly ran into trouble when Amylin Pharmaceuticals, with which it developed and markets the injected Type 2 diabetes drug Byetta (exenatide), sued Lilly in federal court in an attempt to keep it from using the same sales force to sell both drugs. Amylin alleged that using the same sales force would violate their Byetta agreement because the drugs would compete, but a judge threw out Amylin’s claims.

“The rapid availability of Tradjenta for adults with Type 2 diabetes following FDA approval is a testament to Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly’s joint commitment to improving patient care,” Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals VP cardiovascular and metabolic disorders Wa’el Hashad said. “The health of patients is our first priority, and we work diligently to ensure our medications are accessible for patients. With just once dose to remember for all patients, Tradjenta is an important new treatment option that could help the millions of Americans living with Type 2 diabetes.”