Ertugliflozin: First Global Approval

Abstract

Ertugliflozin (Steglatro™) is an orally active sodium glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitor being developed by Merck and Pfizer as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ertugliflozin as monotherapy and in combination with various other antidiabetic drugs was associated with improvements in glycaemic control and secondary outcome measures in the VERTIS phase III clinical trial program. Ertugliflozin and fixed-dose combinations of ertugliflozin and metformin (Segluromet™) and ertugliflozin and sitagliptin (Steglujan™) have recently been approved by the US FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2DM. These products have also received a positive opinion from the EU Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). This article summarizes the milestones in the development of ertugliflozin leading to its first approval for T2DM.