Cosmos Health to acquire license, rights for DIABIT-IS X drug

Cosmos Health announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement, subject to customary closing conditions, with a related party to acquire the license and rights for “DIABIT-IS X”, a drug used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. DIABIT-IS X is one the first generics to be launched in Europe following the European patent expiration in June 2024 of the branded “Januvia” owned by Merck. Januvia, along with its sister drug Janumet, generated combined global sales of $4.5 billion in 2022, and is approaching the expiration of its primary patent, held by Merck. In this context, Cosmos Health, as one of the first movers through the acquisition of DIABIT-IS X, is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the European market. DIABIT-IS X is a medicine that contains the active substance sitagliptin. It will be available in tablets to be used in patients with type-2 diabetes to improve the control of blood glucose levels. Type-2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t use insulin properly. DIABIT-IS X, containing sitagliptin, inhibits the breakdown of incretin hormones which stimulate insulin production after meals. Sitagliptin boosts insulin when blood glucose is high and doesn’t activate at normal blood sugar levels. It also helps reduce liver glucose production, assisting in blood glucose regulation for type-2 diabetes management.