Medical experts, drawn from cardiology, endocrinology and other fields relevant to the management of diabetes, have applauded Getz Pharma Nigeria Limited, a fast-growing pharmaceutical company in Nigeria, over the launch of Empiget, a brand of Empagliflozin molecule.
The experts, which included Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, a consultant endocrinologist and professor of medicine at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Prof. Amam Mbakwem, a consultant cardiologist and professor of medicine; and Dr Ebun Bamgboye, a consultant nephrologist and clinical director at St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, described the drug as a “game changer” in diabetes management.
Welcoming guests to the launch, which took place in Lagos recently, the General Manager (Marketing) of Getz Pharma, Mr Syed Khairat Haider, said the company, with presence in over 27 countries around the world, is committed to improving the healthcare of Nigerians through qualitative and innovative products.
He added that Empiget, which also comes as a combination therapy with Metformin, is formulated to achieve quality outcomes in patient care, stressing that Getz is committed to making it affordable and available throughout the country.
Also speaking, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, a consultant nephrologist and professor of medicine, who chaired the event, commended Getz for bringing Empiget to Nigeria, saying this will not only help to improve patients management but will assist medical practitioners to attain better glycaemic control and achieve better renal outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney conditions.
He commended Getz Pharma for making the drugs available in Nigeria within a few months of its launch on the international scene.
In his presentation, titled “Empagliforzin: New Era in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus”, Prof. Fasanmade described diabetes as a complex disease with multi-systemic effects on many organs of the body and often requiring the patient to see different specialists.
He disclosed that the prevalence of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is about 24 million, out of which Nigeria accounts for 4.5 million, with one in every 10 adult in Nigeria affected. This, he said, makes diabetes a serious health threat.
He commended Getz Pharma for its efforts in making available a robust product which, he said, will enhance the management of diabetic cases in Nigeria.
Fasanmade, a former president of the Endocrine Society of Nigeria, described the drug as a wonder medication which will help to lower cardiovascular risk, glycaemic as well as renal risks in patients.
In her paper titled “Role of Empagliforzin in Reducing Cardiovascular Risks in Patients with or without Diabetes”, Prof. Mbakwem commended the coming of the product to Nigeria, stressing that Empagliforzin will help in better management of cardiovascular conditions as it helps to enhance the cardiac energy pool by increasing cardiac energy production from glucose and fatty acid oxidation.
She also commended the cardio protective qualities of the product, while pleading with the company to make the product even more affordable.
Speaking on the topic, “Role of Empagliforzin in Improving Renal Outcomes in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease” Dr Bambgoye said one-third of the world’s population is at risk of diabetes, noting that the condition is a significant cause of cardiovascular and renal disease. He added that use of the drug will, among other benefits, lower the risk of hypoglycaemia in the treatment of patients with diabetes.
In his remarks at the event, Pharm. Kehinde Bankole, product manager at Getz Pharma noted that the company was the first to bring in the full range of Empagliforzin medication into the country. Similarly, the General Manager (Sales), Dr Funsho Oloruntoba while leading guests and dignitaries to unveil the product, reiterated the company’s commitment to quality healthcare for Nigerians.
He assured that Empiget will be made available and affordable across the country using the company’s wide distribution network.
