C24H29ClO7
1118567-05-7
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Bexagliflozin is an orally administered, potent, and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2).[1] Developed by TheracosBio, LLC, and marketed under the brand name Brenzavvy™, it represents a significant addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).[3] On January 20, 2023, bexagliflozin received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), becoming the fifth orally administered SGLT2 inhibitor to enter the U.S. market for this indication, following the precedent set by dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin.[4] Its approval was supported by a comprehensive clinical development program involving 23 trials and over 5,000 adult participants, which established its efficacy in improving glycemic control as an adjunct to diet and exercise.[6]
The entry of bexagliflozin into a well-established and competitive therapeutic class necessitates a careful evaluation of its distinct characteristics. In a market with several incumbent SGLT2 inhibitors, each with extensive clinical data and established patterns of use, a new agent must demonstrate compelling value to secure a place in clinical practice. This value may manifest as superior efficacy or safety in the general population or specific subgroups, a novel indication, an improved tolerability profile, or a more favorable pharmacoeconomic profile. The clinical data for bexagliflozin suggests potential advantages in specific, challenging patient populations, such as those with moderate chronic kidney disease, while its manufacturer has pursued a market access strategy centered on transparent and affordable pricing, positioning it as a potentially disruptive force in the landscape of modern diabetes care.[8]
Bexagliflozin belongs to the therapeutic class of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors, a group of oral antidiabetic agents also known as "gliflozins".[1] This class of drugs has fundamentally altered the management of T2DM over the past decade. Their unique, insulin-independent mechanism of action—promoting urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys—provides effective glycemic control at various stages of the disease.[1]
Beyond their glucose-lowering effects, SGLT2 inhibitors as a class have demonstrated a range of pleiotropic benefits that address the multifaceted nature of T2DM and its associated comorbidities. Large-scale cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) for other agents in this class have consistently shown reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalizations for heart failure, and the progression of renal disease.[11] These landmark findings have led to expanded indications for certain SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure (with or without diabetes) and chronic kidney disease, elevating their status from simple glucose-lowering drugs to cornerstone therapies for cardio-renal protection.[5] Consequently, major clinical practice guidelines now recommend the use of SGLT2 inhibitors with proven benefit for patients with T2DM and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease, often independent of baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.[5] Bexagliflozin enters this therapeutic landscape with the expectation of providing similar class-wide benefits, including modest but consistent reductions in body weight and systolic blood pressure, which were observed throughout its clinical trial program.[1]
Bexagliflozin is a potent and highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2DM.[1] Its mechanism involves the inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption, leading to glycosuria and a reduction in plasma glucose levels through a pathway that does not depend on insulin secretion or sensitivity.[13] It is administered as a 20 mg oral tablet once daily.[3]
Regulatory approval was granted by the U.S. FDA in January 2023.[7] Consistent with its class, bexagliflozin carries important safety considerations, including warnings for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), lower limb amputation, volume depletion, serious urinary tract infections, and genital mycotic infections.[1] It is not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus due to an elevated risk of DKA.[1] A notable and unique aspect of bexagliflozin is its dual approval for both human and veterinary use; under the brand name Bexacat™, it is the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by the FDA for improving glycemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus, underscoring a broad therapeutic window and a well-characterized safety profile across species.[6]
The unambiguous identification of a pharmaceutical substance is critical for regulatory, clinical, and research purposes. Bexagliflozin is cataloged across numerous international chemical and pharmacological databases under a consistent set of identifiers.
Bexagliflozin is classified chemically as a C-glycosyl compound, a structural feature that is central to its function and viability as an oral therapeutic agent.[11] It belongs to the C-aryl glucoside subclass, which is characteristic of the modern gliflozin drugs.[16] The molecular architecture of bexagliflozin comprises three essential moieties: a central glucose ring, two flanking benzene rings, and a methylene bridge that connects them.[1] This core scaffold is responsible for the molecule's high-affinity binding to the SGLT2 transporter protein.
The specific substitutions on this scaffold confer bexagliflozin's unique pharmacological properties. The aglycone portion of the molecule consists of a 4-chloro-3-({4-[2-(cyclopropyloxy)ethoxy]phenyl}methyl)phenyl group, which is covalently bonded to the anomeric carbon of the β-D-glucose ring.[13] This C-C bond is a critical chemical innovation. The first identified SGLT inhibitor, phlorizin (an O-glycoside derived from apple tree bark), was unsuitable for oral therapy because its O-glycosidic bond was readily cleaved by β-glucosidase enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to poor absorption and systemic bioavailability.[10] The development of C-glycosyl compounds like bexagliflozin, where the anomeric oxygen is replaced by a carbon atom, creates a bond that is resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. This structural stability is fundamental to the success of the entire gliflozin class, enabling effective oral administration and sustained systemic exposure.[10]
The physical and chemical properties of bexagliflozin dictate its formulation, stability, and pharmacokinetic behavior. These properties are consistent with a molecule designed for oral bioavailability and align with established principles of medicinal chemistry, such as Lipinski's Rule-of-Five, which predicts "druglikeness".[17]
Throughout its development and into its commercialization, bexagliflozin has been known by several names. These synonyms are important for comprehensively searching scientific literature and regulatory documents.
It is important to note that some commercial sources may contain inaccuracies. For instance, one supplier's description incorrectly identifies bexagliflozin's mechanism as DPP-IV inhibition.[26] This is factually erroneous, as bexagliflozin is definitively an SGLT2 inhibitor. Such discrepancies underscore the necessity of relying on authoritative sources such as regulatory filings, drug databases like DrugBank, and peer-reviewed scientific publications for accurate pharmacological information.
Table 1: Chemical and Physical Properties of Bexagliflozin
Property | Value | Source(s) |
---|---|---|
Generic Name | Bexagliflozin | 1 |
Chemical Class | C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitor | 11 |
IUPAC Name | (2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-[4-chloro-3-({4-[2-(cyclopropyloxy)ethoxy]phenyl}methyl)phenyl]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 6 |
CAS Number | 1118567-05-7 | 6 |
DrugBank ID | DB12236 | 1 |
Molecular Formula | C24H29ClO7 | 1 |
Molecular Weight | Average: 464.94 g/mol; Monoisotopic: 464.160181 g/mol | 1 |
Physical Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline solid/powder | 21 |
Solubility | Aqueous: Slightly soluble; DMSO: ≥ 100 mg/mL | 13 |
Predicted pKa | 12.57–13.23 (acidic) | 21 |
XLogP3 | 2.4 | 25 |
The therapeutic effects of bexagliflozin are derived from its highly specific and potent inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2.
The primary molecular target of bexagliflozin is the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), a high-capacity, low-affinity transport protein located almost exclusively on the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the S1 and S2 segments of the renal proximal tubule.[1] Under normal physiological conditions, the kidneys filter approximately 180 grams of glucose from the plasma into the glomerular filtrate each day. To conserve this vital energy source, nearly all of this filtered glucose is reabsorbed back into circulation.[11] The SGLT2 transporter is the principal mediator of this process, responsible for the reabsorption of 60% to 90% of the filtered glucose load.[1] It functions by coupling the transport of one molecule of glucose with one sodium ion (
Na+) down the electrochemical gradient of sodium, effectively moving glucose from the tubular lumen into the epithelial cell against its concentration gradient.[11]
Bexagliflozin functions as a competitive and reversible inhibitor of SGLT2.[1] By binding to the transporter, it physically blocks the reabsorption of glucose and sodium from the glomerular filtrate. This inhibition effectively lowers the renal threshold for glucose (RTG)—the plasma glucose concentration above which glucose begins to appear in the urine. In healthy individuals, the RTG is approximately 180 mg/dL, but in patients with T2DM, it is often upregulated, contributing to the maintenance of hyperglycemia. SGLT2 inhibitors like bexagliflozin lower the RTG to a new, much lower set point, causing a therapeutic glycosuria (urinary glucose excretion, UGE) at plasma glucose concentrations that would not normally result in glucose spilling.[14] A 20 mg dose of bexagliflozin provides near-maximal UGE, an effect that is sustained with chronic administration.[1] This process results in the net loss of glucose from the body, leading to a reduction in fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels and, consequently, a decrease in HbA1c.[1]
A defining and clinically crucial feature of the SGLT2 inhibitor class, including bexagliflozin, is that their mechanism of action is entirely independent of pancreatic β-cell function and systemic insulin sensitivity.[1] Unlike insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin, thiazolidinediones), bexagliflozin does not rely on the presence of endogenous insulin secretion or the body's response to insulin to exert its glucose-lowering effect. This makes it an effective therapeutic option across the full spectrum of T2DM, from early stages where insulin resistance is predominant to later stages characterized by significant β-cell failure. This independence also allows it to be used effectively in combination with virtually all other classes of antidiabetic agents, providing an additive glucose-lowering effect through a complementary mechanism.[10] Furthermore, because its action is glucose-dependent (i.e., it only promotes the excretion of glucose that has been filtered), the risk of hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy is very low.[5]
Bexagliflozin is characterized by its high potency and remarkable selectivity for SGLT2. In vitro assays have demonstrated a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of approximately 2 nM for human SGLT2.[2] This indicates very high-affinity binding to its target.
Equally important is its selectivity over the related transporter, SGLT1. SGLT1 is a high-affinity, low-capacity transporter found predominantly in the small intestine, where it is responsible for the absorption of dietary glucose and galactose, and to a lesser extent in the S3 segment of the renal proximal tubule, where it reabsorbs the small amount of glucose that escapes SGLT2.[1] Bexagliflozin exhibits an
IC50 for human SGLT1 of approximately 5.6 μM (5600 nM).[18] This results in a selectivity ratio of over 2400-fold for SGLT2 over SGLT1.[18] This high degree of selectivity is clinically significant. Potent inhibition of intestinal SGLT1 can lead to glucose-galactose malabsorption, causing gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and dehydration. By selectively targeting SGLT2, bexagliflozin minimizes these off-target effects, contributing to a more favorable tolerability profile.
The pharmacokinetic profile of bexagliflozin describes its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), which collectively determine its dosing regimen and potential for drug interactions. Its properties are well-suited for once-daily oral administration.
Following oral administration, bexagliflozin is readily absorbed. In the fasted state, peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) are achieved within a median time (Tmax) of 2 to 4 hours.[1] The pharmacokinetics are dose-proportional over a clinically relevant range.[1] Administration with a standard high-fat, high-calorie meal has a modest effect on its absorption profile, delaying the median
Tmax to 5 hours and increasing the Cmax and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 31% and 10%, respectively.[1] These changes are not considered clinically significant, which allows for flexible dosing with or without food, enhancing patient convenience and adherence.[29]
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, bexagliflozin is extensively distributed throughout the body. It exhibits a large apparent volume of distribution (Vd) of 262 L, indicating significant partitioning from the plasma into extravascular tissues.[1] Bexagliflozin is also highly bound to plasma proteins, with a bound fraction of approximately 93%.[1] This high degree of protein binding limits the amount of free, pharmacologically active drug in circulation at any given time and can influence its distribution and elimination characteristics.
Bexagliflozin undergoes metabolism primarily in the liver.[1] The major metabolic pathway is glucuronidation, a Phase II conjugation reaction mediated predominantly by the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9) enzyme.[1] This process forms the 3'-O-glucuronide metabolite, which is pharmacologically inactive and constitutes the largest fraction of circulating metabolites, accounting for approximately 32% of the parent drug's AUC in humans.[1] A minor metabolic pathway involves Phase I oxidation mediated by the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) isoenzyme.[1]
The reliance on UGT1A9 for primary metabolism has important clinical implications for drug-drug interactions. While this pathway avoids many common interactions involving the major CYP450 enzymes (e.g., CYP2C9, CYP2D6), it creates a specific susceptibility to interactions with potent inducers of UGT enzymes. Drugs that strongly induce UGT1A9 can accelerate the clearance of bexagliflozin, leading to reduced systemic exposure and potentially diminished glycemic efficacy.[27] This necessitates clinical vigilance when such agents are co-administered.
Bexagliflozin and its metabolites are eliminated from the body through both renal and fecal routes. The apparent terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) is approximately 12 hours, a duration that supports a convenient once-daily dosing schedule.[1] Following administration of a single oral radiolabeled dose, approximately 91.6% of the radioactivity was recovered. Of this, 51.1% was found in the feces, predominantly as unchanged parent drug, suggesting that a portion of the absorbed drug is secreted into the bile or that some of the oral dose is not absorbed. The remaining 40.5% was recovered in the urine, largely in the form of the inactive 3'-O-glucuronide metabolite.[11] Only a very small fraction (1.5%) of the dose was excreted as unchanged bexagliflozin in the urine.[1] The apparent oral clearance of bexagliflozin is 19.1 L/h.[1]
Table 2: Key Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Bexagliflozin
Parameter | Value | Source(s) |
---|---|---|
Tmax (Time to Peak Concentration) | 2–4 hours (fasted); 5 hours (fed) | 1 |
Effect of Food on Bioavailability | Not clinically significant | 27 |
Volume of Distribution (Vd) | 262 L | 1 |
Plasma Protein Binding | ~93% | 1 |
Primary Metabolism Pathway | UGT1A9 Glucuronidation | 1 |
Major Metabolite | 3'-O-glucuronide (inactive) | 1 |
Elimination Half-Life (t1/2) | ~12 hours | 1 |
Route of Excretion | Feces (~51.1%); Urine (~40.5%) | 11 |
Bexagliflozin is officially indicated by the U.S. FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.[1] This indication positions it as a component of a comprehensive diabetes management strategy that includes lifestyle modification as its foundation.
The recommended and approved dosage of bexagliflozin is a 20 mg tablet administered orally once daily, typically in the morning.[3] Administration can be done with or without food, providing flexibility for the patient.[29] The tablets are formulated to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split, or chewed, to ensure proper release and absorption of the active ingredient.[30] If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers; however, the patient should not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.[29]
The prescribing information for bexagliflozin includes important limitations on its use. It is explicitly not recommended for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. This is due to a significantly increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in this population, a serious metabolic complication that can be life-threatening.[1]
Furthermore, its use is restricted in patients with significant renal impairment. Because the mechanism of action of bexagliflozin relies on glomerular filtration of glucose, its glycemic efficacy diminishes as renal function declines. It is not recommended for initiation in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. The drug is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease or those requiring dialysis, as it would be expected to have minimal efficacy and has not been studied in this population.[3]
The FDA approval of bexagliflozin was predicated on a robust and extensive clinical development program designed to rigorously evaluate its efficacy and safety. The program comprised 23 separate clinical trials that collectively enrolled more than 5,000 adult participants with T2DM from diverse backgrounds and with varying degrees of disease severity and comorbidities.[6] The trials were conducted at 428 sites across 16 countries, ensuring a broad and generalizable evidence base.[6]
The program included multiple Phase 3, adequate, and well-controlled investigations. These trials employed various designs, including placebo-controlled studies and active-controlled, non-inferiority studies.[3] Bexagliflozin was evaluated across a range of clinical scenarios: as a monotherapy for treatment-naïve patients, as an add-on therapy for patients inadequately controlled on metformin, and as an add-on to a wide array of standard-of-care background therapies in complex patient populations, including those with established cardiovascular disease or moderate renal impairment.[3]
The core evidence for bexagliflozin's efficacy comes from its pivotal Phase 3 trials, which consistently demonstrated its ability to improve glycemic control and other metabolic parameters.
Across the pivotal trials, the primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after a 24-week treatment period.[6] HbA1c is the gold-standard measure of long-term glycemic control and its reduction is a well-established surrogate for a lower risk of microvascular complications in diabetes.[3]
In placebo-controlled trials, bexagliflozin 20 mg once daily produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c. As a monotherapy in treatment-naïve patients (Trial C-450) and as an add-on to metformin (Trial C-419), the placebo-adjusted mean reductions in HbA1c ranged from -0.38% to -0.48%.[3] Broader analyses of trial data show placebo-corrected HbA1c reductions ranging from 0.56% to 0.85% over treatment periods of 12 to 96 weeks.[34] These results were accompanied by significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG).[7] A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirmed these findings, showing a standardized mean difference in HbA1c reduction of -0.55% versus placebo (p < 0.00001).[36]
The landmark trial in the development program was the BEST trial (NCT02558296), a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes trial (CVOT).[33] This study enrolled over 1,700 patients with T2DM who had either established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) or multiple risk factors for CVD.[33] The primary objectives were to assess both glycemic efficacy and cardiovascular safety.
A key differentiator for bexagliflozin emerged from a dedicated trial (C-448) in patients with T2DM and moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as an eGFR between 30 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.[3] This patient population is particularly challenging to treat, as the efficacy of many oral antidiabetic agents is reduced, and some, like metformin, may be contraindicated.[7] Despite the theoretical reduction in efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors as GFR declines, bexagliflozin demonstrated a statistically significant placebo-corrected reduction in HbA1c of -0.37% over 24 weeks.[9] The effect was even more pronounced in the subgroup with Stage 3b CKD (eGFR 30 to <45 mL/min/1.73
m2), a finding of considerable clinical importance as therapeutic options are limited for these patients.[9] This demonstrates that bexagliflozin retains clinically meaningful glycemic efficacy at lower levels of renal function, positioning it as a valuable option for this high-need population.
In head-to-head, non-inferiority trials, bexagliflozin was compared against other commonly used oral antidiabetic agents. It was found to be non-inferior to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor sitagliptin and the sulfonylurea glimepiride for HbA1c reduction.[36] Importantly, bexagliflozin was superior to both active comparators in producing reductions in body weight and systolic blood pressure, and it was associated with a significantly lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to glimepiride.[36] A Phase 3 trial conducted in Chinese patients also demonstrated that bexagliflozin 20 mg was non-inferior to dapagliflozin 10 mg as an add-on to metformin, with comparable efficacy and safety profiles.[39]
Consistent with the known class effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, the clinical trial program for bexagliflozin demonstrated several ancillary benefits beyond glycemic control.
Table 3: Summary of Key Phase 3 Clinical Trial Efficacy Outcomes
Trial Identifier / Population | Comparator | Duration | Mean Baseline HbA1c (%) | Placebo-Corrected Change in HbA1c (%) | Placebo-Corrected Change in Body Weight (kg) | Placebo-Corrected Change in SBP (mmHg) | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST (NCT02558296) T2DM with High CV Risk | Placebo | 24 weeks | 8.3 | -0.48 | -2.65 (at 48 wks) | -2.96 (in hypertensive pts) | 34 |
Monotherapy (NCT02715258) T2DM, Treatment-Naïve | Placebo | 24 weeks | 8.0 | -0.57* | -1.82* | -2.5* | 3 |
Add-on to Metformin (NCT03259789) T2DM on Metformin | Placebo | 24 weeks | 8.6 | -0.53 | -2.25* | -4.4* | 39 |
Renal Impairment (C-448) T2DM with Stage 3 CKD | Placebo | 24 weeks | 7.9 | -0.37 | -1.5* | -2.9* | 3 |
Active Comparator T2DM on Metformin | Glimepiride | 96 weeks | 8.0 | Non-inferior | Superior Reduction | Superior Reduction | 36 |
Active Comparator T2DM on Metformin | Sitagliptin | 24 weeks | 7.9 | Non-inferior | Superior Reduction | Not Reported | 36 |
Note: Values marked with an asterisk () represent mean differences from placebo derived from various trial publications and meta-analyses and may have different timepoints or patient subgroups than the BEST trial data. Non-inferiority indicates that bexagliflozin was not worse than the active comparator by a pre-specified margin.*
A thorough understanding of a drug's safety profile is paramount for its appropriate and safe clinical application. The safety of bexagliflozin has been extensively characterized through its clinical development program, revealing a profile that is largely consistent with the SGLT2 inhibitor class, including both common, manageable side effects and rare but serious risks that require careful monitoring and patient education.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials (occurring in >5% of patients) are directly related to the drug's mechanism of action, which increases glucose in the genitourinary tract. These include:
These events are typically mild to moderate in severity and can often be managed with standard therapies without necessitating discontinuation of the drug. In the large BEST trial, the overall rate of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation was nearly identical between the bexagliflozin and placebo arms (8.4% vs. 8.5%, respectively), indicating good overall tolerability.[37]
The prescribing information for bexagliflozin includes several important warnings and precautions that reflect serious risks identified with the SGLT2 inhibitor class.
Bexagliflozin, like all SGLT2 inhibitors, is associated with a risk of DKA, a life-threatening metabolic emergency characterized by ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia.[1] The risk is substantially elevated in patients with type 1 diabetes, for whom the drug is not approved.[29] However, DKA has also been reported in patients with T2DM, particularly in the context of precipitating factors such as acute febrile illness, surgery, prolonged fasting, reduced caloric or fluid intake, excessive alcohol consumption, or a reduction in insulin dosage.[15] A critical diagnostic challenge is that SGLT2 inhibitor-associated DKA can present with only moderately elevated or even normal blood glucose levels (euglycemic DKA), often below 250 mg/dL.[7] This atypical presentation can delay diagnosis and treatment. Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of DKA (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, shortness of breath) and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Therapy should be temporarily withheld prior to scheduled surgery or during acute medical illnesses.[29]
An increased incidence of lower limb amputations (primarily of the toe and midfoot) has been observed with some SGLT2 inhibitors. In the BEST trial, which enrolled a high-risk cardiovascular population, the incidence of amputation was higher in the bexagliflozin group compared to placebo (8.3 vs. 5.1 events per 1000 patient-years).[1] The events were often preceded by lower limb infections, gangrene, or diabetic foot ulcers.[15] The risk is not uniform across all patients; it is highest in those with a pre-existing history of prior amputation, peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy.[7] This finding does not represent a blanket contraindication but rather a strong mandate for careful patient selection and proactive risk mitigation. Before initiating bexagliflozin, clinicians must perform a thorough risk assessment. All patients, especially those at high risk, should be counseled on the critical importance of routine, preventative foot care and should be monitored for any new pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or signs of infection in the lower limbs. If such complications arise, bexagliflozin should be discontinued promptly.[7]
The osmotic diuretic effect of bexagliflozin can lead to intravascular volume contraction, which may manifest as symptomatic hypotension or acute transient changes in serum creatinine.[1] Postmarketing reports for the SGLT2 inhibitor class include cases of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis.[15] The risk of volume depletion is heightened in certain populations, including elderly patients, those with pre-existing renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73
m2), patients with low baseline systolic blood pressure, and those receiving concomitant diuretic therapy, particularly loop diuretics.[15] In these at-risk patients, volume status should be assessed and corrected, if necessary, before initiating therapy. Close monitoring of volume status (e.g., blood pressure) and renal function is recommended after initiation.[29]
While UTIs are a common adverse event, serious and life-threatening infections, including urosepsis and pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization, have been reported in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors.[1] Clinicians should evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection and institute prompt treatment when indicated.[29]
Fournier's gangrene is a rare but extremely serious and life-threatening necrotizing infection of the perineal, genital, or perianal tissues that has been reported in postmarketing surveillance for the SGLT2 inhibitor class.[6] It requires immediate, aggressive surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, accompanied by fever or malaise.[30] If Fournier's gangrene is suspected, bexagliflozin must be discontinued immediately.[15]
When used as monotherapy, bexagliflozin carries a very low risk of hypoglycemia because its mechanism does not actively drive glucose levels below the normal range.[5] However, when bexagliflozin is used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides), which independently increase insulin levels, the risk of hypoglycemia is substantially increased due to a pharmacodynamic synergistic effect.[1] To mitigate this risk, a proactive reduction in the dose of the concomitant insulin or insulin secretagogue may be necessary upon initiation of bexagliflozin.[29]
The glycosuria induced by bexagliflozin creates a favorable environment for the growth of yeast, leading to an increased risk of genital mycotic infections.[1] These infections are more common in women (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and in uncircumcised men (balanitis or balanoposthitis).[30] Patients with a prior history of such infections are also at higher risk.[15] Patients should be counseled on the signs and symptoms and advised on appropriate hygiene and treatment options.[30]
Bexagliflozin is contraindicated in the following patient populations:
Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Bexagliflozin
Interacting Drug/Class | Mechanism of Interaction | Clinical Impact | Management Recommendation | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
UGT Enzyme Inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin) | Increased metabolism of bexagliflozin via UGT1A9 induction | Reduced systemic exposure and decreased efficacy of bexagliflozin | Consider adding another antihyperglycemic agent if additional glycemic control is required. | 27 |
Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) | Pharmacodynamic synergism | Increased risk of hypoglycemia | A lower dose of insulin or the insulin secretagogue may be required. Monitor blood glucose closely. | 27 |
Lithium | Increased renal clearance of lithium | Decreased serum lithium concentrations, potentially leading to loss of efficacy | Monitor serum lithium concentrations more frequently upon initiation, dose change, or discontinuation of bexagliflozin. | 27 |
Diuretics (especially loop diuretics) | Additive diuretic effect | Increased risk of intravascular volume depletion, hypotension, and acute kidney injury | Assess and correct volume status before initiation. Monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion. | 15 |
Bexagliflozin was developed by TheracosBio, LLC, a pharmaceutical company based in Marlborough, Massachusetts.[3] Following the successful completion of its extensive clinical trial program, the company submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA granted its first approval for bexagliflozin on January 20, 2023, with the public announcement following on January 23, 2023.[4] This approval marked the introduction of the fifth oral SGLT2 inhibitor for the treatment of T2DM in the United States.[5] The drug is also undergoing clinical development for the treatment of essential hypertension.[45]
For human use, bexagliflozin is marketed under the brand name Brenzavvy™.[1] It is available as a 20 mg, blue, caplet-shaped, biconvex tablet.[31]
The commercial strategy adopted by TheracosBio for Brenzavvy™ represents a significant departure from the conventional pricing models for new, branded pharmaceuticals in the United States. The company has publicly committed to a strategy focused on transparent and affordable pricing, aiming to broaden patient access to the SGLT2 inhibitor class.[8] The stated cash price for patients is approximately $50 per month, a fraction of the list price of other branded agents in the class.[46] To execute this strategy, TheracosBio has formed a key partnership with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and next-generation pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) like SmithRx.[8]
This approach directly confronts the significant cost-related barriers that often prevent patients from accessing newer, more effective diabetes medications. The high cost of novel antidiabetic drugs is a major driver of non-adherence, which in turn leads to poor health outcomes. By offering a lower-cost alternative, Brenzavvy™ is positioned not only as a clinical option but also as a pharmacoeconomic one. This strategy could be a powerful market disruptor, potentially influencing prescribing decisions based on patient affordability and improving medication adherence and, by extension, overall public health outcomes.
In a highly unusual and noteworthy development, bexagliflozin has also received FDA approval for veterinary use.
This dual approval for both human and feline diabetes is a testament to the drug's well-characterized safety profile and the conserved nature of the SGLT2 mechanism across species. It suggests a broad therapeutic index and a robust preclinical and clinical data package that satisfied the stringent safety and efficacy requirements for two distinct regulatory pathways. This unique status further distinguishes bexagliflozin within the pharmaceutical landscape.
Bexagliflozin (Brenzavvy™) has demonstrated a positive risk-benefit profile for its approved indication of improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The evidence from a comprehensive clinical development program establishes its robust efficacy, with clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, both as monotherapy and as an add-on to other antidiabetic agents. This glycemic efficacy is complemented by valuable ancillary benefits, including consistent and sustained reductions in body weight and systolic blood pressure, which address common comorbidities in the T2DM population. A particularly compelling aspect of its profile is its demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (Stage 3b), a population with limited therapeutic options.
These benefits must be carefully weighed against the known risks associated with the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Serious warnings, including the potential for euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, an increased incidence of lower limb amputations in high-risk populations, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene), and serious urinary tract infections, demand rigorous patient selection, ongoing monitoring, and comprehensive patient education. More common adverse events, such as genital mycotic infections, are generally manageable but require counseling. For the appropriately selected patient who is well-informed and monitored, the benefits of improved glycemic control, weight loss, and blood pressure reduction offered by bexagliflozin are substantial and generally outweigh the potential risks.
As the fifth oral SGLT2 inhibitor to market, bexagliflozin's place in therapy is defined by its relative strengths and weaknesses compared to established agents like empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin. In terms of core glycemic efficacy, bexagliflozin appears largely comparable to its predecessors. Head-to-head trial data against dapagliflozin showed non-inferiority, and its magnitude of HbA1c reduction in placebo-controlled trials is in line with the established class effect.[34] While its dedicated cardiovascular outcomes trial (BEST) successfully demonstrated non-inferiority for MACE, it was not powered to show superiority, unlike the landmark trials for some of its competitors that led to broad indications for cardiovascular risk reduction.
However, bexagliflozin possesses two key potential differentiators that may carve out a significant niche for it in clinical practice. First is its proven efficacy in patients with Stage 3b CKD (eGFR 30 to <45 mL/min/1.73 m2).[9] This provides clinicians with an evidence-based option for a difficult-to-treat population where other agents may be less effective or contraindicated. Second, and perhaps most impactful, is its disruptive pricing and market access strategy.[8] By offering a transparent, low-cost option, Brenzavvy™ directly addresses the pervasive issue of medication affordability, which is a major barrier to care. This could make it a preferred agent for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing high co-pays, thereby improving access to the benefits of the SGLT2 inhibitor class for a wider population.
Therefore, the place in therapy for bexagliflozin is as a safe and effective SGLT2 inhibitor with particular value in patients with moderate renal impairment and in any patient for whom cost is a significant consideration.
Based on the available evidence, the following recommendations are provided for clinicians considering the use of bexagliflozin:
While the current data for bexagliflozin is robust, several areas warrant further investigation. Although it has shown efficacy in moderate CKD, long-term, large-scale studies are needed to definitively establish its renoprotective effects (i.e., slowing the progression of CKD and reducing the risk of end-stage renal disease) to the same extent as has been demonstrated for other agents in the class.[34] The ongoing clinical development for essential hypertension is a promising avenue that could expand its therapeutic utility beyond diabetes.[45] Finally, as real-world evidence accumulates, a clearer picture of its effectiveness and safety across diverse, unselected patient populations will emerge, further refining its optimal place in the complex and evolving landscape of diabetes and cardio-renal-metabolic medicine.
Published at: August 28, 2025
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