ONGLYZA is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor which works by affecting the action of hormones - incretins - to increase insulin production in the pancreas and reduce the liver's production of glucose. It is prescribed to patients who are failing to gain adequate glycemic control through first-line therapies and diet and exercise alone. The majority - 83 per cent - of survey respondents claim that they do not want to rely on insulin to control their diabetes.

"More than two million Canadians are living with diabetes and almost half are uncontrolled in their current treatment regime," said Mark Jones, President & CEO, AstraZeneca Canada. "AstraZeneca Canada, through our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, is proud to provide doctors and their patients a new treatment option in ONGLYZA to help them better manage their diabetes."

"Developed in collaboration between Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, ONGLYZA draws on the strengths of both companies and represents the first significant milestone in our shared commitment to supporting advances in this important disease area," said Wayne Quigley, President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada. "We are excited about ONGLYZA's potential to assist people in achieving glucose control so that they may enjoy healthier lives and prevent complications."

Diabetes is a complex chronic illness that is affecting Canadians at an alarming pace. Estimates suggest that by 2010, three million Canadians will have diabetes and this will drain $15.6 billion from the health care system per year. A challenging illness that brings serious health consequences when treatment is lacking, diabetes requires constant monitoring and vigilance on the part of patients and physicians alike.

Clinical Data Support

In patients with type 2 diabetes, the addition of ONGLYZA 5 mg to metformin or a sulfonylurea resulted in statistically significant improvements in A1c,fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and postprandial glucose (PPG), including 2-hour PPG following standard oral glucose test (OGTT), compared to metformin or a sulfonylurea alone. The recommended adult dose is 5 mg, once daily, taken with or without food.

Source: ASTRAZENECA CANADA INC.

Source: BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CANADA