U.S. FDA approves Jardiance® (empagliflozin) tablets to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease

First and only type 2 diabetes treatment approved to reduce cardiovascular death

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. and INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 5, 2016 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new indication for Jardiance® (empagliflozin) tablets to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. JARDIANCE is the first type 2 diabetes treatment approved with this additional indication and the only oral type 2 diabetes medicine shown in a clinical trial to provide a life-saving cardiovascular benefit. JARDIANCE is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY).

“As the only diabetes treatment approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, JARDIANCE represents a tremendous step forward in our efforts to reduce the impact of heart disease among adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” said Paul Fonteyne, president and CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “This approval is another example of our commitment to the discovery and development of treatment options for adults with type 2 diabetes. We believe that JARDIANCE is an important treatment option for this patient population.”

JARDIANCE is not for people with type 1 diabetes or people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).

The approval is based on breakthrough evidence from the landmark EMPA-REG OUTCOME® trial, which investigated the effects of JARDIANCE compared with placebo when added to standard of care type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular medicines in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. In the trial, JARDIANCE significantly reduced the risk of the combined primary endpoint of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack or non-fatal stroke by 14 percent versus placebo (HR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.99); absolute risk reduction was 1.6 percent for JARDIANCE versus placebo. This primary finding was driven by a significant 38 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death (HR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.77); absolute risk reduction was 2.2 percent for patients taking JARDIANCE versus placebo. There was no change in the risk of non-fatal heart attack (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.09) or non-fatal stroke (HR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.92-1.67). The cardiovascular benefits of JARDIANCE were consistent among patient subgroups.

Adults with type 2 diabetes should not take JARDIANCE if they have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis, or if they are allergic to empagliflozin or any ingredient in JARDIANCE. JARDIANCE can cause dehydration and low blood pressure. JARDIANCE can also cause increased ketones in the blood (ketoacidosis), serious urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury and impairment in renal function, low blood glucose when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes), vaginal yeast infections and yeast infections of the penis, and increased cholesterol.

“People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. The new indication for empagliflozin enables physicians for the first time to provide adults with type 2 diabetes with a diabetes medication that can reduce their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease,” said Christopher P. Cannon, M.D., Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School. “It also gives physicians an opportunity to speak with and educate people with type 2 diabetes about their increased risk for cardiovascular disease and to help them understand this serious complication of their condition.”

“Despite significant medical advances, approximately two out of three people with type 2 diabetes still die from cardiovascular disease. The Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly diabetes alliance is proud to bring a groundbreaking innovation to millions of adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease,” said Enrique Conterno, senior vice president and president, Lilly Diabetes. “As part of our ongoing commitment to people with type 2 diabetes, we are also expanding our efforts to educate the public on the link between cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.”

In 2014, JARDIANCE was approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, or blood glucose levels, in adults with type 2 diabetes.

About the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial (NCT01131676)
EMPA-REG OUTCOME was a long-term, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of more than 7,000 patients, from 42 countries, with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

The study assessed the effect of JARDIANCE (10 mg or 25 mg once daily) added to standard of care compared with placebo added to standard of care. Standard of care was comprised of glucose-lowering agents and cardiovascular drugs (including for blood pressure and cholesterol). The primary endpoint was defined as time to first occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack or non-fatal stroke.

The safety profile of JARDIANCE in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial was consistent with that of previous trials.

About Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Approximately 29 million Americans and an estimated 415 million people worldwide have diabetes, and nearly 28 percent of Americans with diabetes—totaling 8 million people—are undiagnosed. In the U.S., approximately 12 percent of those aged 20 and older have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed adult diabetes cases in the U.S. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not properly produce or use the hormone insulin.

Due to the complications associated with diabetes, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and obesity, cardiovascular disease is a major complication and the leading cause of death associated with diabetes. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without diabetes. Approximately 50 percent of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes worldwide and 68 percent of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are caused by cardiovascular disease. In the U.S., health care costs for managing cardiovascular conditions in patients with diabetes totaled more than $23 billion in 2012.

Having diabetes can shorten a person’s lifespan by as much as six years compared with someone without diabetes.* And having both diabetes and a history of heart attack or stroke can shorten a person’s lifespan by as much as 12 years compared with someone without these conditions.**

* Based on having a history of diabetes at age 60.
** Based on having a history of diabetes and heart attack or stroke at age 60.

About Educational Initiatives
Given the critical connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company are committed to providing a wide range of diabetes therapies along with programs and support to raise awareness, understanding and action toward reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

What is JARDIANCE? (www.jardiance.com)
JARDIANCE is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

JARDIANCE reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known cardiovascular disease. 

JARDIANCE is not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about JARDIANCE?

JARDIANCE can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Dehydration. JARDIANCE can cause some people to have dehydration (the loss of body water and salt). Dehydration may cause you to feel dizzy, faint, light-headed, or weak, especially when you stand up.

    ​
    You may be at a higher risk of dehydration if you:

    • have low blood pressure
    • take medicines to lower your blood pressure including water pills (diuretics)
    • are on a low salt diet
    • have kidney problems
    • are 65 years of age or older.
       
  • Ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine). Ketoacidosis is a serious condition and may need to be treated in the hospital. Ketoacidosis may lead to death. Ketoacidosis occurs in people with type 1 diabetes and can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes taking JARDIANCE, even if blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL. Stop taking JARDIANCE and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms, and if possible, check for ketones in your urine:
    • nausea                 
    • vomiting
    • stomach-area (abdominal) pain
    • tiredness
    • trouble breathing
       
  •  Serious urinary tract infections. Serious urinary tract infections can occur in people taking JARDIANCE and may lead to hospitalization. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as a burning feeling when passing urine, a need to urinate often or right away, pain in the lower part of your stomach or pelvis, or blood in the urine. Sometimes people also may have a fever, back pain, nausea or vomiting.
     
  • Vaginal yeast infection. Women who take JARDIANCE may get vaginal yeast infections. Talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (discharge may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), and/or vaginal itching.
     
  • Yeast infection of the penis. Men who take JARDIANCE may get a yeast infection of the skin around the penis, especially uncircumcised males and those with chronic infections. Talk to your doctor if you experience redness, itching or swelling of the penis, rash of the penis, foul smelling discharge from the penis, and /or pain in the skin around penis.

Who should not take JARDIANCE?
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are allergic to empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in JARDIANCE. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions to JARDIANCE may include:

  • skin rash
  • raised red patches on your skin (hives)
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.

If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking JARDIANCE and contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Do not take JARDIANCE if you have severe kidney problems or are on dialysis.

What should I tell my doctor before using JARDIANCE?

Tell your doctor if you:

  • have kidney problems. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during your treatment with JARDIANCE
  • have liver problems
  • have a history of urinary tract infections or problems with urination
  • are going to have surgery
  • are eating less due to illness, surgery, or a change in your diet
  • have or have had problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis or surgery on your pancreas
  • drink alcohol very often, or drink a lot of alcohol in the short term (“binge” drinking)
  • have any other medical conditions
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if JARDIANCE will harm your unborn baby
  • are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if JARDIANCE passes into your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take water pills (diuretics) or medicines that can lower your blood sugar such as insulin.

What are other possible side effects of JARDIANCE?

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): if you take JARDIANCE with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea or insulin may need to be lowered. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
    • Headache
    • Drowsiness
    • Weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Confusion
    • Irritability
    • Hunger
    • Fast heart beat
    • Sweating
    • Shaking or feeling jittery
       
  • Kidney Problems. Sudden kidney injury has happened in people taking JARDIANCE. Talk to your doctor right away if you reduce the amount you eat or drink, or if you lose liquids; for example, from vomiting, diarrhea, or being in the sun too long.
  • Increased fats in your blood (cholesterol).

The most common side effects of JARDIANCE include urinary tract infections, and yeast infections in females.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

JAR CONS ISI 12.2.16

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in diabetes that centers on compounds representing several of the largest diabetes treatment classes. This alliance leverages the strengths of two of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of patients with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs. Find out more about the alliance at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or www.lilly.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 47,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel treatments for human and veterinary medicine.

Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. To learn more about how we make more health for more people, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $15.8 billion (14.8 billion euros). R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 percent of its net sales.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.  

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world's first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a wide range of therapies and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about JARDIANCE as a treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and reflects Lilly’s current belief.  However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with the results to date or that JARDIANCE will receive additional regulatory approvals. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

Jardiance® and EMPA-REG OUTCOME® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim.

P-LLY
PC-JAR-0015-PR

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Lilly Media Contact

Molly McCully
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Lilly Diabetes
Email: mccully_molly@lilly.com
Phone: (317) 478-5423