For the first time, new data presented at the American Diabetes Association allow a preliminary comparison of the three leading inhibitors of sodium-coupled glucose co-transporter 2 for Type II diabetes. According to clinicians contacted by BioCentury, none of the SGLT2 programs has emerged as the clear best in class, which could give dapagliflozin from AstraZeneca plc and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. a first-mover advantage.

SGLT2 is a transporter protein found exclusively in the kidneys that promotes reabsorption of glucose from the bloodstream. For diabetes, the hypothesis is that blocking the protein would increase the amount of glucose excreted in urine, thus lowering plasma glucose levels and reducing hyperglycemia.