A Pill that Combines Three Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes is Approved in Europe

By Jimmy McDermott and Martin Kurian

Qtrilmet is a once-daily pill that combines metformin, Farxiga, and Onglyza and helps lower A1C and support weight loss​. Already approved in US as “Qternmet”

Qtrilmet has been approved in Europe for people with type 2 diabetes. Qtrilmet is a single, once-daily pill that combines metformin, Onglyza (a DPP-4 inhibitor), and Farxiga (an SGLT-2 inhibitor). This drug has already been approved in the US (called Qternmet).

In clinical trials, the triple combination drug resulted in lower A1C and more weight loss compared to the individual components. The triple combination of metformin, Onglyza, and Farxiga:

• Lowered A1C by 1%, compared to 0.7% with Onglyza plus metformin and 0.6% with Farxiga plus metformin. The average starting A1C was 8.2%.

• Lowered weight by 4.4 pounds (2 kg) (average starting weight of 191 pounds; 87 kg). This compared to about 1 pound (0.4 kg) of weight loss on Onglyza plus metformin (starting weight 203 pounds; 92 kg) and 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg) of weight loss on Farxiga plus metformin (starting weight 197 pounds; 90 kg).

There are high hopes for combination drugs like Qtrilmet, given the ease of use, reduced pill burden, and strong effectiveness with milder side effects.