Mumbai-based Alkem Pharma is foraying into the antidiabetic drug market in the country through partnership with South Korean drug maker Dong A to launch the latter’s Evogliptin.

Alkem is in the process of filing for regulatory approvals, and is expected to launch the drug in six to eight months.

Evogliptin has been approved in South Korea and the company is waiting for an approval from the USFDA authorities for its North American launch.

Gliptins, or class of DPP4 drug inhibitors, are considered far more effective in controlling blood sugar levels than the previous class of drugs.

Evogliptin is a new oral DPP4 inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise.