Singapore: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Daiichi Sankyo will launch selective DPP-4 inhibitor Tenelia 20mg tablets (teneligliptin hydrobromide hydrate tablets) in Japan on September 10, 2012, following the inclusion of the drug in the National Health Insurance drug price list.

Tenelia is a DPP-4 inhibitor created by Mitsubishi Tanabe and is the first drug of its kind to originate from Japan. Tenelia suppresses glucagon release and increases insulin release, subsequently lowering blood-glucose levels by selectively inhibiting the activity of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that inactivates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone excreted from the gastrointestinal tract in response to food ingestion. Tenelia, with its potent and sustained action, has made it highly effective in lowering each of the blood glucose postprandial levels, as well as fasting blood glucose levels, with once-a-day administration.

Mitsubishi Tanabe and Daiichi Sankyo, based on their strategic alliance to contribute to the treatment of diabetes in Japan, will begin joint marketing the drug under one brand name, Tenelia 20mg tablets. By providing this new treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus, Mitsubishi Tanabe and Daiichi Sankyo aim to provide further support for patients combating this disease.