vildagliptin (Galvus)

following a full submission:

vildagliptin (Galvus®) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as dual oral therapy in combination with metformin, in patients with insufficient glycaemic control despite maximal tolerated dose of monotherapy with metformin.

It is restricted to use in patients only when the addition of sulphonylureas is not appropriate, and represents an alternative to other agents such as thiazolidinediones. Efficacy, as assessed by measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), is similar to thiazolidinedione drugs added at this stage in therapy. It appears to have minimal effect on body weight.

Vildagliptin is also licensed for use in combination with sulphonylureas or thiazolidinedione drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The manufacturer’s submission related only to the use of vildagliptin in combination with metformin. SMC cannot recommend the use of vildagliptin in combination with these agents.