General Information

Prandin (repaglinide) has been approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It is the first approved product in a new chemical class (meglitinide class) of orally administered drugs for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and was developed to manage meal related (prandial) glucose loads.

Clinical Results

In clinical trials, Prandin had its largest effect in the first two weeks. After that, patients were maintained at a dose that triggered response. There was an average reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels of 1.6 to 1.9 points.

Side Effects

Adverse events reported were comparable to sulfonylureas, but there was a slightly higher incidence of cardiovascular events when compared with glyburide.

Mechanism of Action

Prandin stimulates insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas by binding to sites on the beta cell. Its quick onset and short duration of action concentrates its effect around meal time glucose load, which is important to the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Prandin is minimally excreted by the kidney, which may be an advantage for patients who suffer from decreased kidney function.