In a bold move to improve outcomes for patients living with cardio-metabolic diseases, leading multinational pharmaceutical company Getz Pharma has launched Empiget LT, an innovative fixed-dose combination therapy designed to reduce glycemic levels in millions of Nigerians managing type 2 diabetes—especially those with comorbidities or a diminished quality of life.
The unveiling of Empiget LT held during a Cardio-Metabolic Forum at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, was attended by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists. Distinguished experts such as Prof. Anam Mbakwem, consultant cardiologist at LUTH; Prof. Adebowale Adekoya, consultant nephrologist at LASUTH; and Dr Ifedayo Odeniyi, consultant endocrinologist at LUTH, served as keynote speakers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines cardio-metabolic diseases as a cluster of interrelated conditions—including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes—linked by shared risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions remain a major global health burden, accounting for a significant percentage of deaths worldwide.
Dr Folorunso Oloruntoba, general manager, sales at Getz Pharma, emphasized the rationale behind the launch of Empiget LT. He pointed out the urgency in managing glycemic levels among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes, particularly those unable to meet their target HbA1c levels.
“A substantial proportion of these patients are unable to achieve their target HbA1c levels—a critical concern that signals progressive end-organ damage, which raises the need for such products like Empiget LT,” he said.
“Empiget LT is designed to address this challenge by combining the therapeutic benefits of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor in a single, convenient tablet. This dual-action formulation not only enhances glycemic control but also delivers significant renal and cardiovascular protection. It offers a comprehensive and effective treatment option for adults managing type 2 diabetes mellitus and related conditions such as renal and heart failure. The synergistic action of its two active ingredients—Empagliflozin and Linagliptin—ensures a multifaceted approach to diabetes care, aligning with global best practices in chronic disease management,” he stated.
Oloruntoba noted that the product is affordably priced, costing under ₦15,000 per month.
“Both SKUs offer exceptional value for money, especially when compared to the cost of monotherapies from other brands using the same molecules. This competitive pricing positions Empiget LT as a high-quality yet cost-effective solution—almost at a giveaway price point.”
He added that Empiget LT is already available nationwide through accredited pharmacy outlets and major distribution channels. It comes in two dosage strengths: 25 mg of Empagliflozin with 5 mg of Linagliptin, and 10 mg of Empagliflozin with 5 mg of Linagliptin, both in packs of 30 tablets.
Speaking on the management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure, Prof. Mbakwem identified untreated hypertension as the primary cause of heart failure in Nigeria. She emphasized the urgency of upgrading clinical care.
“About 50 per cent of patients with heart failure will die five years after diagnosis, without improved care and medication,” she said, urging healthcare professionals to seek continuous learning and improve service delivery to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The consultant cardiologist decried the substandard care in some facilities, warning that poor clinical practices contribute significantly to rising death rates from cardiovascular disease.
“Are we doing enough for these patients?” she asked rhetorically. “But my answer to that is that there are many needs in heart failure and that we don’t manipulate. And I believe we can do more. You and I can do more for this patient.
“For us in Nigeria, the biggest driver of heart failure is heart disease. So if we can control hypertension, we reduce the risk of death of heart failure.
“If we can diagnose these patients early—because we know that the earlier you start the treatment, the more benefits you get out of it,” Mbakwem emphasised.
Building on her remarks, Dr Odeniyi discussed the complex interplay between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He listed insulin resistance, chronic hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and cardiomyopathy as major contributors.
“Insulin resistance contributes to chronic hyperglycemia. Chronic dyslipidemia also contributes to chronic hyperglycemia. All leading to endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammatory states. It can also degenerate to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and if we don’t take care of these patients very well, we are going to have events of mortality.
“So what drives cardiovascular disease in diabetes? Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia. And linked to that is inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and the cardiomyopathy. But the heart muscle will get damaged at a point, making the pumping function to get worse,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of proper risk profiling for diabetes patients to improve treatment outcomes.
“We must do a risk assessment for our patients. And this is where the majority of us are failing. Probably because we don’t have the knowledge, or we are so overwhelmed with the patient that we manage.”
Dr Odeniyi endorsed Empiget LT as a valuable medication for improving glycemic control and managing associated complications.
In his contribution, Prof. Adekoya addressed diabetes-related complications that lead to kidney failure, stating that four in ten kidney failure cases result from undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.
“Diabetes is a very high-risk factor for kidney failure,” he said, urging healthcare professionals to optimize care for diabetic patients to prevent renal deterioration.
He underscored the link between diabetes and kidney disease:
“Two out of ten people aged above 65 with diabetes will develop kidney disease and die of stroke. The indication is that up to 40 per cent of those who have diabetes type 2 will eventually have kidney disease.”
Recognising the clinical utility of Empiget LT, Prof. Adekoya praised the formulation as the first fixed-dose combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor introduced in the Nigerian market. He also noted its small tablet size as a key feature that enhances ease of swallowing and patient adherence.
