Novo Nordisk Launches Innovative Drug Against Type 2 Diabetes in PH

The Philippines has also seen a rise in diabetes cases last year while facing a pandemic.

According to preliminary data released by the Philippines Statistics Authority, the leading cause of death among Filipinos in 2020 is ischemic heart diseases accounting for 99,700 deaths. Meanwhile, diabetes mellitus ranks fourth in the country, with 37,300 deaths.

Dr. Gilbert Vilela of Vice President of the Philippine Heart Association attributes the uptick in diabetes cases to unhealthy eating and lack of physical activities during lockdowns.

“For the past three years, ischemic heart disease, cancer, and pneumonia have been listed as the top three causes of death in Filipinos, with diabetes following in fourth place. However, the news here is that the increase in ischemic heart disease is only 2.3%, while cancer went down by about 10%, and pneumonia by about 6%. Diabetes went up by 7.8%,” Dr. Vilela said.

Dr. Michael Villa, President of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, said that there is a need to address the increase of diabetes cases in the country.

“There should be a national coordinated effort to continue preventing other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, and this is one of the things we are encouraging.” Dr. Villa said.

One of the solutions seen to be effective is to promote a healthy lifestyle even during lockdowns.

The government has already allowed outdoor active physical activities such as jogging and biking in the country.

Dr. Villa also mentioned that among all diabetes patients in the Philippines, 85% are living with type 2 diabetes.

“Type 2 makes up for about 85% of the population of patients with diabetes. Coupled with type 2 diabetes, these patients have multiple risk factors. These are mostly adult patients. Some are smokers, some are hypertensive, some have cholesterol problems,” Dr. Villa said.

To address the concern on Type 2 diabetes, Novo Nordisk has introduced the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA).

This drug was studied and tested on 10,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes patients globally and yielded great results in lowering the sugar level and body weight of patients.

Grete Sillasen, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy Manila lauded Novo Nordisk on continuing to develop and innovate medications for diabetes.

‘’Novo Nordisk is playing a vital role in introducing research and development-based innovative diabetes treatment to the diabetic patients of this country,” said Sillasen.

Dr. Ahsan Shoeb. Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, Quality Director at Novo Nordisk said that Once-Weekly GLP-1 RA could reduce more than 80% of glucose level and reduce 8.5% of body weight on treated patients. This results in a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients.

The GLP-1 RA is also taken only once a week, providing convenience to patients taking the drug.

“Novo Nordisk is committed to developing innovative medicines to help Filipinos living with diabetes lead longer and healthier lives. We’re at the forefront of innovating GLP-1 treatments, helping people with type 2 diabetes address cardiovascular risk and its other multiple risk factors. This is how we express our unique Novo Nordisk brand of care — by addressing the unmet needs of people with diabetes,” said Cihan Serdar Kizilcik, Vice-President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines.

Once-Weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist is a prescribed drug and should not be taken without seeking medical consultation. Talk to a doctor or any qualified healthcare provider about your condition for proper assessment and diagnosis before taking any medication. (ASC)