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The product was discovered and developed by MSD Pharmaceuticals
Multinational healthcare companies Abbott and MSD Pharmaceuticals have inked a distribution agreement to supply MSD’s oral anti-diabetic medicine sitagliptin, its combination sitagliptin/metformin and the extended-release version in India.
Abbott will distribute these medicines across the country. Sitaglipin belongs to a class of prescription medications called DPP4i or Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors also known as “gliptins” used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes that have been successful in reducing HBA1C levels or average glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes patients, a joint note from the companies explained.
The product was discovered and developed by MSD Pharmaceuticals and was the first DPP4i to be launched in India in 2008. The brands under this portfolio continue to be among the leaders in the category, even after loss of exclusivity, it added. Generic versions of the drug are also available in the country, made by local drugmakers. MSD will no longer market the product in the country, an industry-insider said.
MSD is known as Merck & Co Inc in the US and Canada, and its sitagliptin, combination drug and extended-release versions, used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes are marketed under the brand names Januvia, Janumet and Janumet XR.
India has the second highest number of people living with diabetes, estimated at 101 million people with diabetes, and 136 million people who are pre-diabetic, and at a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Ambati Venu, Vice-President, Abbott India, said: “We offer a wide range of solutions to help people manage diabetes more effectively, including testing, continuous glucose monitoring, nutrition and a complete diabetes medicines portfolio. Through our extensive presence, we can help people in India better manage their Type 2 diabetes and take control of their health.”
Rehan A Khan, Managing Director, MSD India Region stated, “Since its introduction in India over 17 years ago, our sitagliptin portfolio has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients across the country and has earned the trust of both doctors and patients.”
Published on June 19, 2025
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