20 July 2016 -  Janssen announced today that Invokamet, a twice daily fixed-dose therapy combining Invokana (canagliflozin) and metformin hydrochloride into a single tablet, for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes is now available in Canada.

Invokana is the first sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved in Canada that works with the kidney to promote the loss of glucose in the urine. Metformin hydrochloride, which is commonly prescribed early in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, decreases the production of glucose in the liver and improves the body's response to insulin.

"By combining two proven therapies, Invokamet reduces the number of tablets people living with type 2 diabetes take each day," said Dr. Ronald Goldenberg, endocrinologist, LMC Diabetes & Endocrinology. "Clinical trials show Invokamet helps lower blood sugar and is associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia. It can also provide a reduction in body weight and systolic blood pressure, which are important treatment goals for this patient population."

Invokamet is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.3 It should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).4 Invokamet was approved by Health Canada on June 1, 2016.

Read Janssen press release