Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today announced that one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries has launched Riomet ER in the U.S. as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Riomet ER was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 29, 2019. Riomet ER, dosed once daily, is the first and only FDA-approved liquid formulation of extended-release metformin. It can be prepped and poured, thereby eliminating the need to crush medication.

The availability of a liquid formulation addresses the needs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including residents in long-term care facilities, who often have issues swallowing solid medications. Riomet ER offers dosing flexibility and an acceptable taste. “As the fourth Sun Pharma product designed to address the needs of the 40% of U.S. adults who cannot or will not swallow solid medications, Riomet ER reflects our continued commitment to providing alternative formulations to underserved patient populations,” said Abhay Gandhi, CEO, North America, Sun Pharma.

“Our sprinkle and liquid formulation products treat common, chronic diseases – type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, pain and depression – where adherence issues are common and can be life-threatening.” The label for Riomet ER carries a boxed warning about the risk of lactic acidosis with excessive alcohol intake, as alcohol increases the effect of Riomet ER on lactate metabolism. The label also includes a warning about the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as a warning about the risk of hypoglycemia with concomitant use with insulin and insulin secretagogues. In placebo-controlled clinical trials of Riomet ER, the most common adverse reactions (occurring in greater than 5% of participants) were diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, flatulence, asthenia, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache.