FDA approves new medication for type 2 diabetes

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first generic injectable medication for type 2 diabetes, which affects about 10% of the U.S. population. 

The medication, whose brand name is Victoza, can be used by patients who are at least 10 years old and will provide a low-cost option for those who need GLP-1 medications. 

Patients who have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 are not encouraged to use the drug because of possible complications.

"Generic drugs provide additional treatment options which are generally more affordable for patients," Dr. Iilun Murphy, the director of the Office of Generic Drugs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. "Today’s approval underscores the FDA’s continued commitment to advancing patient access to safe, effective and high-quality generic drug products.”

The new medication will be injected by eligible Type 2 diabetics once a day, and improves blood sugar levels by creating similar effects in the body as GLP-1 in the pancreas, which is often low among Type 2 diabetics. 

Type 2 diabetes is considered a chronic condition, which is usually diagnosed in adults, but experts have noted an increase in cases among children, teens, and young adults in recent years. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.