On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eli Lilly and Co.’s treatment for severe hypoglycemia, Baqsimi.
Hypoglycemia is one of the complications of diabetes in which blood glucose or sugar falls to potentially dangerously levels.
The FDA said severe hypoglycemia is typically seen in people with diabetes who are on insulin.
The agency noted that Baqsimi is effective at treating the severe form of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes aged four and above.
Baqsimi comes in a powder form that is administered into the nose.
The drug regulatory body said Baqsimi is the first glucagon therapy approved for the treatment of hypoglycemia in an emergency.
Director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Dr. Janet Woodcock said, “This new way to administer glucagon may simplify the process, which can be critical during an episode.”
Eli Lilly and Co. said, “The U.S. list price for a Baqsimi one-pack is $280.80 and $561.60 for a two-pack,” adding that it is expected to be available in the United States within a month. The injectable glucagon has been approved for use in the United States for several decades, said the FDA.
