Glyburide/metformin tablets: a new therapeutic option for the management of Type 2 diabetes

Oral antidiabetic combination therapy is a proven means of establishing glycaemic control in the hyperglycaemic, Type 2 diabetic patient, but co-administering two oral antidiabetic agents separately may hinder compliance with therapy. A new single-tablet of glyburide/metformin combination therapy (Glucovance), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Inc.) has recently been developed, which addresses the primary defects of Type 2 diabetes: beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. The glyburide/metformin tablet, taken with meals, is designed to optimise the absorption of glyburide and to address the postprandial glucose rise. Glyburide/metformin tablets are more effective in controlling fasting and postprandial glycaemia than its component monotherapies, at lower doses of metformin and glyburide compared with monotherapy because of the synergy between its glyburide and metformin components. Moreover, a double-blind study showed that glyburide/metformin tablets are more effective than a free combination of glyburide co-administered with metformin in controlling postprandial glucose. Retrospective analyses suggested that glyburide/metformin tablets control glycated haemoglobin (A1C) more effectively than a free combination of glyburide co-administered with metformin, at lower mean doses of glyburide and metformin. The incidence of side effects is lower than separate component therapy for any given A1C. Glyburide/metformin tablets are an effective option for optimising the control of blood glucose in Type 2 diabetic patients and appear to enhance adherence to therapy.