Diabetics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now have access to a new treatment for their condition called Glucovance that will now be available on prescription from doctors across the country.
The new formula contains Metformin for insulin resistance and Gilbenclamide for insulin secretion in one tablet manufactured to allow the release of both drugs and the resorption of the active ingredients, making it a unique product in the market, according to the company.
Diabetes is a major health problem in the Gulf region with an estimated 20 percent of the population suffering from the disease to some extent, compared to 15 percent throughout the Arab World. This contrasts with figures in the rest of the world of between five and eight percent.
Diabetics have traditionally needed separate medication to treat both low insulin secretion from the pancreas and impaired insulin absorption by the patient’s cells – and taking two pills could sometimes lead to side effects and difficulties getting the balance of medication right to reduce blood glucose levels.
Now the German pharmaceutical company Merck has received the approval of the Ministry of Health to make Glucovance available in the UAE for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Merck is launching the new formula in Dubai and Abu Dhabi through presentations to doctors. Later in the year the company plans to launch Glucovance in Bahrain and Kuwait where the treatment is now registered followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
