Merck has signed a collaboration agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV around the commercialization of INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin), an innovative drug for adults with type 2 diabetes in six growth markets – five ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) and Russia.

Through this agreement, Merck will hold exclusive rights for the promotion of INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin) in the additional six countries. The two companies will work closely together on the distribution, promotion, access, marketing and sales of INVOKANA^®.  The agreements reinforce Merck's lead in the cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine space in Emerging Growth Markets. 

INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin) is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with metformin or with metformin plus sulfonylurea in adults who have not achieved adequate glycaemic control on these oral therapies.

“The addition of INVOKANA^® to our ASEAN and Russian Diabetes portfolio strengthens the Merck Franchise by ensuring innovative treatments are available to patients who aren’t able to retain sufficient control over blood glucose levels with Glucophage® (metformin) alone. New treatments for diabetes are of particular importance in ASEAN countries, where type 2 diabetes cases are on the rise" said Andre Musto, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Cardiovascular Metabolism and Endocrinology Franchise, Merck Healthcare.

INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin) is a member of a novel class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor.  With a mechanism of action independent of insulin secretion and sensitivity, INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) helps reduce the reabsorption of filtered glucose in the kidneys, lowers the renal threshold for glucose (RT_G) and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion through inhibition of highly selective SGLT-2. Besides its pronounced anti-hyperglycemic effects, INVOKANA^® (canagliflozin) can also bring additional benefits to patients such as reductions in body weight, slowing the progression in albuminuria and lowering of blood pressure.