Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin is a SGLT2 inhibitor which is being investigated in clinical trials for the oral treatment of type 2 diabetes by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company. It is an inhibitor of the sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2), which is found almost exclusively in the proximal tubules of nephronic components in the kidneys. SGLT-2 accounts for about 90 percent of glucose reabsorption into the blood. Blocking SGLT-2 causes blood glucose to be eliminated through the urine via the urethra.

Mode of action
SGLT-2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin reduce blood glucose by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidney and thereby excreting glucose (i.e., blood sugar) via the urine.

Clinical trials
The empagliflozin phase III clinical trial program will include about 14,500 patients. The program consists of twelve ongoing international phase III clinical trials, including a large cardiovascular outcomes trial.