Clinical development of metformin extended-release tablets for type 2 diabetes: an overview

Glumetza™ (Depomed, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA) is a recently approved gastric retentive extended-release formulation of metformin (M-ER) that provides effective, sustained and well-tolerated glycemic control with once daily administration. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated a similar bioavailability of M-ER administered once daily to immediate-release metformin given twice daily. In addition, M-ER has demonstrated a nearly linear dose proportionality with a relative bioavailability of highest dose to lowest dose of 80%, whereas with immediate-release metformin the relative bioavailability of the highest dose to the lowest dose is only 58%. M-ER demonstrated a positive food effect and should be administered with a meal, preferably the evening meal. Because metformin is only eliminated through renal mechanisms, the use of M-ER, as is the case with other formulations, is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment. Administration of M-ER with sulfonylureas (SUs) had no effect on the pharmacokine...