July 22, 2008-- Santarus, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNTS) and Depomed, Inc. (NASDAQ: DEPO) announced that they have entered into a promotion agreement granting Santarus exclusive rights to promote Depomed's GLUMETZA(R) (metformin hydrochloride extended release tablets) prescription products in the U.S. GLUMETZA is a once-daily, extended-release formulation of metformin that incorporates patented drug delivery technology and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Santarus expects to train its field sales representatives in the third quarter and to begin promotion of GLUMETZA brand products in the fourth quarter of 2008. Depomed reported GLUMETZA net sales of $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2008.
Metformin is widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but many patients do not achieve optimal dosing levels due to gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. The advantage of GLUMETZA's delivery system is that it allows physicians to rapidly titrate dosing up to 2000 mg a day, which results in a more optimal level of glycemic control without significantly increasing GI side effects compared to a daily dose of 1500 mg of immediate-release metformin... Depomed's Press Release - Santarus' Press Release -
