Lilly reports positive data from new diabetes drug trials

Lilly has announced positive data from two further phase III clinical trials of dulaglutide, an investigational compound being studied as a once-weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Results from Award-2 and Award-4 showed that the long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist was able to deliver a superior performance in terms of reducing blood sugar levels compared to insulin glargine.

This comes after Lilly reported similarly positive data from the Award-1, Award-3 and Award-5 studies last October, with data from all five of these trials set to support the company's regulatory filings for the drug.

Further details from the Award trial programme will be presented by Lilly at upcoming scientific meetings.

Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly Diabetes, said: "Dulaglutide, if approved, further advances our efforts to offer a broad portfolio of therapies for people with diabetes, many of whom have unique needs."

Last month, the company announced the UK launch of HumaPen Savvio, an insulin delivery device designed to be more discreet than other similar products.