10
NEWS
JDRF
Type 1 diabetes charity JDRF has
labelled the withdrawal of a drug
that can help UK and EU people
living with Type 1 diabetes stay
healthy as 'appalling'. In November
202, AstraZeneca alerted clinicians
that the drug dapagliflozin, also
known by its brand name Forxiga,
would be withdrawn immediately
for Type 1 diabetes use in the UK
and EU. The decision could affect
up to 2,000 people in the UK with
Type 1 diabetes, even though, per
AstraZeneca, there are no new safety
issues with the drug.
JDRF has called on AstraZeneca
to clearly explain to people affected
by Type 1 diabetes why the drug has
been withdrawn for use treating that
condition. The drug will continue
to be available for other conditions
including Type 2 diabetes.
Dapagliflozin is a once-a-day
pill which, when used alongside
standard insulin therapy, significantly
improves blood glucose management
for many people with the condition.
The first of its kind to be approved
in the UK and EU for adults with
Type 1 diabetes, it is the only other
drug - besides insulin - that has been
licensed in the UK to treat Type 1
diabetes. JDRF has long advocated
for therapies that can improve the
lives of those affected by Type 1
diabetes, including treatments such
as dapagliflozin. It was made available
on the NHS as an 'adjunct therapy' to
be used alongside insulin for people
with Type 1 diabetes by NICE in
July 2019.
Karen Addington, UK Chief
Executive of JDRF, said: "Dapagliflozin
has been the first drug offered in
100 years since the discovery of
insulin that has helped people with
Type 1 diabetes to manage their
condition. It is appalling that it is
now being withdrawn, even though
many people with Type 1 are finding
it an effective and useful tool to help
manage their glucose levels. JDRF
asks AstraZeneca to explain to people
in the UK affected by Type 1 diabetes
the reasons behind this withdrawal."
Vids on T1 tech
On a happier note, JDRF has
launched a video series to explain
diabetes technology using animation
to explain the features and benefits
of diabetes technology and the
choice of devices. The four videos
cover: continuous glucose monitors;
insulin pumps; flash glucose sensing;
hybrid closed loop technology
(also known as HCL or an artificial
pancreas system (APS)). Technologies
such as these can make it easier for
people with Type 1 to keep their
glucose levels in range, leading
to better health outcomes and
fewer complications.
JDRF Input
Fusion
This free online event run
from 10am to 1:35pm on
Saturday 4 December. It
will include talks by Dr
Fiona Campbell, Consultant
Paediatrician, Leeds Teaching
Hospitals on technology
and teens; Melissa Holloway,
Independent Industry Advisor
and Input:JDRF Volunteer
on the diabetes industry,
technology and the future;
Hilary Nathan, JDRF's director
of policy and communications,
will speak on advocacy, access
and progress; Lesley Jordan,
JDRF's senior technology
access specialist, will speak on
access to technology and other
JDRF resources.
To find out more and to
register for Fusion - Type 1
Diabetes Tech and Devices for
Children and Young People,
CLICK HERE.
These videos are
a great resource
to help people
understand what
technology there
is, how it works
and how it can
benefit them -
Lesley Jordan,
JDRF