Muraglitazar: multiple benefits in type 2 diabetes

The dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ agonist, muraglitazar [Pargluva], provides effective glycaemic control and improves hyperlipidaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to two phase III studies presented at the 65th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) [San Diego, California, US; June 2005]. In the first study, which involved > 1100 patients, the combination of muraglitazar plus metformin was shown to be more effective than pioglitazone plus metformin in reducing HbA_1c and fasting plasma glucose levels, with corresponding improvements in lipid parameters. The second study showed that patients receiving muraglitazar plus glibenclamide had improvements from baseline in glycaemic control and hyperlipidaemia.