Introduction and marketing status of Dasiglucagon

Dasiglucagon is a new glucagon analogue, mainly used to treat severe hypoglycemia, especially for emergency treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. Compared with traditional glucagon preparations, dasiglitazone has an optimized chemical structure, is more stable, does not require reconstitution (no need to dissolve or mix), and can be injected directly subcutaneously, making it convenient for patients and caregivers to use in emergencies. Its mechanism of action is similar to glucagon, which can quickly promote the release of glucose from the liver, thereby restoring blood sugar levels and avoiding loss of consciousness or other serious complications caused by hypoglycemia.

Dasiglitazone was developed by Danish biopharmaceutical company Zealand Pharma and marketed in the United States under the trade name Zegalogue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug in 2021 for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients 1 years old and older. FDA’s approval is based on the results of multiple clinical trials. Studies have shown that dasiglitazone can rapidly increase blood sugar levels within 10 to 15 minutes. Its onset of action is faster than traditional glucagon and does not require a complicated preparation process, which improves the convenience and safety of use.

In Europe, the marketing process of dasiglitazone is relatively slow. Zealand Pharma has submitted a marketing application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is awaiting approval. In addition, the drug is also advancing in the marketing process in other countries and regions, such as Japan and Canada, and may be approved in the next few years. Due to its advantages in stability and ease of use, dasiglitazone is considered a strong competitor to traditional glucagon preparations and is expected to be widely used worldwide.

Currently, dasiglitazone is mainly provided in the form of prefilled injection pens, which are suitable for emergency hypoglycemia management in diabetic patients. Its convenient dosing method makes it particularly suitable for children, elderly patients, and those at high risk who need to quickly respond to hypoglycemia. Although the drug's market acceptance is gradually increasing, due to its high price, some patients still need to rely on insurance or Medicaid to reduce the cost of purchasing the drug. With approval and marketing in more countries, the drug is expected to become a new standard for emergency treatment of hypoglycemia, providing a safer and more efficient treatment option for diabetic patients.

Reference link: https://www.dasiglucagon.com/