Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, has launched Glucophage Powder for Oral Solution in Sachets, indicated for the first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in France and the UK. Marketing authorizations in other European countries for the new formulation of Glucophage are expected in the coming months.

The new powder formulation is bioequivalent to the existing Glucophage tablets and is packaged in individual sachets of 500mg, 850mg and 1000mg. Glucophage powder dissolves in water.

“Adherence to therapy is increasingly being recognized by physicians as a key condition to achieve glycemic control for patients with diabetes,” said Roberto Gradnik, executive vice president commercial Europe at Merck Serono. “We are pleased to provide this innovative powder formulation of Glucophage to patients seeking a convenient alternative to tablets which may facilitate their adherence to treatment.”