AU8799998A

AU8799998A - Treatment of diabetes with thiazolidinedione and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor

Info

Publication number: AU8799998A
Application number: AU87999/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen Alistair Smith
Original assignee: SmithKline Beecham Ltd
Current assignee: SmithKline Beecham Ltd
Priority date: 1997-06-18
Filing date: 1998-06-15
Publication date: 1999-01-04
Also published as: NO996270D0; AR013352A1; DZ2519A1; BG103966A; CA2294134A1; CO4940453A1; TR199903072T2; PE89199A1; CN1274282A; PL337577A1; AP9901720A0; UY25051A1; BR9810186A; KR20010013845A; JP2001523271A; SK179499A3; EA200000040A1; WO1998057635A1; NZ501345A; EP0975343A1

Description

WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 TREATMENT OF DIABETES WITH THIAZOLIDINEDIONE AND ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITOR This invention relates to a method of treatment, in particular to a method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or 5 Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus. Alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agents, such as Acarbose, Emiglitate and Miglitol, are commonly used in the treatment of NIDDM (or Type II diabetes). European Patent Application, Publication Number 0,306,228 relates to certain 10 thiazolidinedione derivatives disclosed as having antihyperglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activity. One particular thiazolidinedione disclosed in EP 0306228 is 5-[ 4

-[

2 -(N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)amino)ethoxy]benzyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dione (hereinafter 'Compound (I)'). WO94/05659 discloses certain salts of Compound (I) including the maleate salt at example 1 thereof. 15 Compound (I) is an example of a class of anti-hyperglycaemic agents known as 'insulin sensitisers'. In particular Compound (I) is a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser. European Patent Applications, Publication Numbers: 0008203, 0139421, 0032128, 0428312, 0489663, 0155845, 0257781, 0208420, 0177353, 0319189, 20 0332331, 0332332, 0528734, 0508740; International Patent Application, Publication Numbers 92/18501, 93/02079, 93/22445 and United States Patent Numbers 5104888 and 5478852, also disclose certain thiazolidinedione insulin sensitisers. Another series of compounds generally recognised as having insulin sensitiser activity are those typified by the compounds disclosed in International Patent 25 Applications, Publication Numbers WO93/21166 and WO94/01420. These compounds are herein referred to as 'acyclic insulin sensitisers'. Other examples of acyclic insulin sensitisers are those disclosed in United States Patent Number 5232945 and International Patent Applications, Publication Numbers WO92/03425 and WO91/19702. 30 Examples of other insulin sensitisers are those disclosed in European Patent Application, Publication Number 0533933, Japanese Patent Application Publication Number 05271204 and United States Patent Number 5264451. The contents of the above mentioned publications are incorporated herein by reference. 35 It is now surprisingly indicated that Compound (I) in combination with an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent provides a particularly beneficial effect on glycaemic control, with minimal adverse side effects, such -1- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 combination is therefore particularly useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus 5 in a mammal such as a human, which method comprises administering an effective non-toxic and pharmaceutically acceptable amount of an insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I), and an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent, to a mammal in need thereof. In another aspect the invention provides an insulin sensitiser, such as 10 Compound (I), together with an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent for use in a method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus. The method comprises either co-administration of an insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I), and an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent or the 15 sequential administration thereof. Co-administration includes administration of a formulation which includes both an insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I), and a biguanide antihyperglycaemic agent or the essentially simultaneous administration of separate formulations of each agent. 20 In another aspect the invention provides the use of an insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I), and an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent for use in the manufacture of a composition for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus. A suitable thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser is Compound (I). 25 Other suitable thiazolidinedione insulin sensitisers include (+) -5-[[4-[(3,4 dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H- -benzopyran-2 yl)methoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione (or troglitazone), 5-[4-[(1 methylcyclohexyl)methoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or ciglitazone), 5-[4-[2-(5 ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or pioglitazone) or 5-[(2 30 benzyl- 2

,

3 -dihydrobenzopyran)-5-ylmethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or englitazone) A suitable alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent is acarbose. Other suitable alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agents are Emiglitate and Miglitol. In one particular aspect, the method comprises the administration of 2 to 12 35 mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. Particularly, the method comprises the administration of 2 to 4, 4 to 8 or 8 to 12 mg of An insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I), per day. -2- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 Particularly, the method comprises the administration of 2 to 4mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. Particularly, the method comprises the administration of 4 to 8mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. 5 Particularly, the method comprises the administration of 8 to 12 mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. Preferably, the method comprises the administration of 2 mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. Preferably, the method comprises the administration of 4 mg of Compound 10 (I), especially when administered per day. Preferably, the method comprises the administration of 8 mg of Compound (I), especially when administered per day. It will be understood that the insulin sensitiser, such as Compound (I) and the alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent are each administered in a 15 pharmaceutically acceptable form, including pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives such as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters and solvates thereof, as appropriate of the relevant pharmaceutically active agent. In certain instances herein the names used for the relevant alpha glucosidase inhibitor may relate to a particular pharmaceutical form of the relevant active agent: It will be understood that all 20 pharmaceutically acceptable forms of the active agents per se are encompassed by this invention. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable forms of insulin sensitisers include those described in the above mentioned publications. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salted forms of Compound (I) include 25 those described in EP 0306228 and WO94/05659. A preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a maleate. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvated forms of Compound (I) include those described in EP 0306228 and WO94/05659, in particular hydrates. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable forms of the alpha glucosidase inhibitor 30 antihyperglycaemic agent depend upon the particular agent used but includes known pharmaceutically acceptable forms of the particular compound chosen. Such derivatives are found or are referred to in standard reference texts such as the British and US Pharmacopoeias, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co.) and Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia (London, The Pharmaceutical Press) 35 (for example see the 31st Edition page 341 and pages cited therein). The insulin sensitisers may be prepared using known methods, for example those disclosed in the above mentioned publications which are incorporated herein by reference. -3- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 Compound (I) or, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, may be prepared using known methods, for example those disclosed in EP 0306228 and WO94/05659. The disclosures of EP 0306228 and WO94/05659 are incorporated herein by reference. 5 Compound (I) may exist in one of several tautomeric forms, all of which are encompassed by the term Compound (I) as individual tautomeric forms or as mixtures thereof. Compound (I) contains a chiral carbon atom, and hence can exist in up to two stereoisomeric forms, the term Compound (I) encompasses all of these isomeric forms whether as individual isomers or as mixtures of isomers, including racemates. 10 The alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent of choice is prepared according to known methods, such methods are found or are referred to in standard reference texts, such as the British and US Pharmacopoeias, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co.) and Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia (London, The Pharmaceutical Press) (for example see the 31st Edition 15 page 341 and pages cited therein). When used herein the term 'conditions associated with diabetes' includes those conditions associated with the pre-diabetic state, conditions associated with diabetes mellitus itself and complications associated with diabetes mellitus. When used herein the term 'conditions associated with the pre-diabetic state' 20 includes conditions such as insulin resistance, including hereditary insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity and hyperinsulinaemia. 'Conditions associated with diabetes mellitus itself include hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, including acquired insulin resistance and obesity. Further conditions associated with diabetes mellitus itself include hypertension and 25 cardiovascular disease, especially atherosclerosis and conditions associated with insulin resistance. Conditions associated with insulin resistance include polycystic ovarian syndrome and steroid induced insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. 'Complications associated with diabetes mellitus' includes renal disease, especially renal disease associated with Type II diabetes, neuropathy and retinopathy. 30 Renal diseases associated with Type II diabetes include nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, glomerular sclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis and end stage renal disease. As used herein the term 'pharmaceutically acceptable' embraces both human and veterinary use: for example the term 'pharmaceutically acceptable' embraces a 35 veterinarily acceptable compound. For the avoidance of doubt, when reference is made herein to scalar amounts, including mg amounts, of Compound (I) in a pharmaceutically acceptable form, the scalar amount referred to is made in respect of Compound (I) per se: For example 2 -4- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 mg of Compound (I) in the form of the maleate salt is that amount of maleate salt which contains 2 mg of Compound (I). Diabetes mellitus is preferably Type II diabetes. The particularly beneficial effect on glycaemic control provided by the 5 treatment of the invention is indicated to be a synergistic effect relative to the control expected for the sum of the effects of the individual active agents. Glycaemic control may be characterised using conventional methods, for example by measurement of a typically used index of glycaemic control such as fasting plasma glucose or glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb Alc). Such indices are 10 determined using standard methodology, for example those described in: Tuescher A, Richterich, P., Schweiz. med. Wschr. 101 (1971), 345 and 390 and Frank P., 'Monitoring the Diabetic Patent with Glycosolated Hemoglobin Measurements', Clinical Products 1988 In a preferred aspect, the dosage level of each of the active agents when used 15 in accordance with the treatment of the invention will be less than would have been required from a purely additive effect upon glycaemic control. There is also an indication that the treatment of the invention will effect an improvement, relative to the individual agents, in the levels of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), leptin and serum lipids including total cholesterol, HDL 20 cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol including improvements in the ratios thereof, in particular an improvement in serum lipids including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol including improvements in the ratios thereof. In the method of the invention, the active medicaments are preferably administered in pharmaceutical composition form. As indicated above, such 25 compositions can include both medicaments or one only of the medicaments. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an insulin sensitisers, such as Compound (I) especially 2 to 12 mg thereof, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. 30 Such compositions may be prepared by admixing an insulin sensitisers, such as Compound (I) especially 2 to 12 mg thereof, the alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. Usually the compositions are adapted for oral administration. However, they may be adapted for other modes of administration, for example parenteral 35 administration, sublingual or transdermal administration. The compositions may be in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, granules, lozenges, suppositories, reconstitutable powders, or liquid preparations, such as oral or sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions. -5- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 In order to obtain consistency of administration it is preferred that a composition of the invention is in the form of a unit dose. Unit dose presentation forms for oral administration may be tablets and capsules and may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, for example 5 syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinylpyrrolidone; fillers, for example lactose, sugar, maize-starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricants, for example magnesium stearate; disintegrants, for example starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycollate or microcrystalline cellulose; or pharmaceutically acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate. 10 The compositions are preferably in a unit dosage form in an amount appropriate for the relevant daily dosage. Suitable dosages including unit dosages of the Compound of formula (I) comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 mg of Compound (I). In the treatments the medicaments may be administered from 1 to 6 times a 15 day, but most preferably 1 or 2 times per day. Particular dosages of Compound (I) are 2mg/day, 4mg/day, including 2mg twice per day, and 8 mg/day, including 4mg twice per day. Suitable dosages including unit dosages of the insulin sensitisers and the alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent, include the known dosages and 20 unit doses for these compounds as described or referred to in reference texts such as the British and US Pharmacopoeias, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co.), Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia (London, The Pharmaceutical Press) (for example see the 31st Edition page 341 and pages cited therein) or the above mentioned publications. 25 Thus, a typical daily dosage of acarbose is in the range of from 50 to 600 mg, an example 100mg or 200mg per day. The solid oral compositions may be prepared by conventional methods of blending, filling or tabletting. Repeated blending operations may be used to distribute the active agent throughout those compositions employing large quantities of fillers. 30 Such operations are of course conventional in the art. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice, in particular with an enteric coating. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, emulsions, syrups, or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water 35 or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, for example sorbitol, syrup, methyl cellulose, gelatin, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, aluminium stearate gel, hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents, for example lecithin, sorbitan -6- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 monooleate, or acacia; non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), for example almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters such as esters of glycerine, propylene glycol, or ethyl alcohol; preservatives, for example methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate or sorbic acid; and if desired conventional flavouring or colouring 5 agents. For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilizing the compound and a sterile vehicle, and, depending on the concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions the compound can be dissolved in water for injection and filter sterilized before filling into a suitable vial 10 or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, a preservative and buffering agents can be dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the Compound (I)s suspended in the vehicle instead of being 15 dissolved, and sterilization cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilized by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspending in the sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound. Compositions may contain from 0.1% to 99% by weight, preferably from 20 10-60% by weight, of the active material, depending upon the method of administration. Compositions may, if desired, be in the form of a pack accompanied by written or printed instructions for use. The compositions are formulated according to conventional methods, such as 25 those disclosed in standard reference texts, for example the British and US Pharmacopoeias, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Co.) and Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia (London The Pharmaceutical Press) (for example see the 31st Edition page 341 and pages cited therein) and Harry's Cosmeticology (Leonard Hill Books). 30 In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound (I), especially 2 to 12 mg thereof, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, for use as an active therapeutic substance. In particular, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition 35 comprising Compound (I), especially 2 to 12 mg thereof, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, for use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type II diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus. -7- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 A range of 2 to 4mg includes a range of 2.1 to 4, 2.2 to 4, 2.3 to 4, 2.4 to 4, 2.5 to 4, 2.6 to 4, 2.7 to 4, 2.8 to 4, 2.9 to 4 or 3 to 4mg. A range of 4 to 8mg includes a range of 4.1 to 8, 4.2 to 8, 4.3 to 8, 4.4 to 8, 4.5 to 8, 4.6 to 8 , 4

.

7 to 8, 4.8 to 8, 4.9 to 8, 5 to 8, 6 to 8 or 7 to 8mg. 5 A range of 8 to 12 mg includes a range of 8.1 to 12, 8.2 to 12, 8.3 to 12, 8.4 to 12, 8.5 to 12, 8.6 to 12, 8.7 to 12, 8.8 to 12, 8.9 to 12, 9 to 12, 10 to 12 or 11 to 12mg. No adverse toxicological effects have been established for the compositions or methods of the invention in the abovementioned dosage ranges. 10 The following example illustrates the invention but does not limit it in any way. Example This study investigated whether administration of acarbose (A) alters the PK of co administered Compound (I). Sixteen healthy volunteers (24-59 yo) received a single oral dose 15 of Compound (I) (8 mg) on Day 1, followed by 7 days of repeat dosing with A (100 mg tid with meals). On Day 8, a single oral dose of Compound (I) was coadministered with the morning dose of A. PK profiles following Compound (I) dosing on Days 1 and 8 were compared. Coadministration of Compound (I) and A was well tolerated. PK data and point estimates [95% confidence intervals] for Compound (I) +A: Compound (I) alone were 20 analyzed. Parameter [units] Compound (I) Compound (I) + A Alone AUC (0-inf) [ng.h/mL] 2793 (581) 2502 (755) Cmax [ng/mL] 428 (86) 451 (141) Tmax* [hours] 1.48 (0.97-5.95) 1.24 (0.95-3.98) TI/2 [hours] 4.93 (0.78) 3.79 (0.78) * Data presented as median (range) Compound (I) absorption (Cmax and Tmax) was unaffected by coadministration with A but exposure to Compound (I) (AUC [0-infJ) decreased by an average of 12% (PE 0.88 [0.79, 0.98]) during Compound (I) +A coadministration and was accompanied by an approximate 1 hour reduction in TI/2. Thus, acarbose appears to slightly increase Compound (I) clearance, 25 although the changes are small and are not likely to be clinically relevant. In conclusion, Compound (I) may be coadministered with acarbose without adversely affecting Compound (I) pharmacokinetics and/or its potential clinical benefit. -8- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 COMPOUND (I) COMPOSITIONS A Concentrate Preparation 5 Approximately two thirds of the lactose monohydrate is passed through a suitable screen and blended with the milled maleate salt of Compound (I). Sodium starch glycollate, hydoxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and the remaining lactose are passed through a suitable screen and added to the mixture. Blending is then continued. The resulting mixture is then wet 10 granulated with purified water. The wet granules are then screened, dried on a fluid bed drier and the dried granules are passed through a further screen and finally homogenised. % COMPOSITION OF GRANULAR CONCENTRATE 15 Ingredient Quantity (%) Milled Compound (I) as maleate 13.25 (pure salt maleate salt) Sodium Starch Glycollate 5.00 Hydoxypropyl Methylcellulose 5.00 2910 Microcrystalline Cellulose 20.0 Lactose Monohydrate, regular to 100 grade Purified water * * Removed during processing. 20 -9- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691 B Formulation of the concentrate into tablets. The granules from above are placed into a tumble blender. Approximately two 5 thirds of the lactose is screened and added to the blender. The microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate and remaining lactose are screened and added to the blender and the mixture blended together. The resulting mix is then compressed on a rotary tablet press to a target weight of 150mg for the 1, 2 and 4mg tablets and to a target weight of 300mg for the 8mg 10 tablets. The tablet cores are then transferred to a tablet coating machine, pre-warmed with warm air (approximately 65 0 C) and film coated until the tablet weight has increased by 2.0% to 3.5%. Quantity (mg per Tablet) Tablet Strength 1.0mg 2.0mg 4.0mg 8.0mg Active Ingredient: Compound (I) maleate Concentrate granules 10.00 20.00 40.00 80.00 Other Ingredients: Sodium Starch Glycollate 6.96 6.46 5.46 10.92 Microcrystalline Cellulose 27.85 25.85 21.85 43.70 Lactose monohydrate 104.44 96.94 81.94 163.88 Magnesium Stearate 0.75 0.75 0.75 1.50 Total Weight of Tablet Core 150.0 150.0 150.0 300.0 Aqueous film coating material 4.5 4.5 4.5 9.0 Total Weight of Film Coated Tablet 154.5 154.5 154.5 309.0 15 -10-

Claims

1. A method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus in a mammal, which method comprises administering an 5 effective non-toxic and pharmaceutically acceptable amount of an insulin sensitiser and an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent, to a mammal in need thereof.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the alpha glucosidase inhibitor 10 antihyperglycaemic agent is acarbose, emiglitate or miglitol.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent is acarbose. 15

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulin sensitiser is 5-[4-[2-(N-methyl-N-(2 pyridyl)amino)ethoxy]benzyl]thiazolidine- 2 , 4 -dione (Compound I).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises the 20 administration of 2 to 12 mg of Compound (I).

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises the administration of 2 to 4, 4 to 8 or 8 to 12 mg of Compound (I). 25

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the administration of 2 to 4mg of Compound (I).

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the administration of 4 to 8mg of Compound (I). 30

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the administration of 8 to 12 mg of Compound (I).

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the 35 administration of 2 mg of Compound (I). -11- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the administration of 4 mg of Compound (I). 5

12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises the administration of 8 mg of Compound (I).

13.A method according to claim 1, wherein the insulin sensitiser is (+) -5-[[4 [(3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H- 1 -benzopyran-2 10 yl)methoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione (or troglitazone), 5-[4-[(1 methylcyclohexyl)methoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or ciglitazone), 5 [4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or pioglitazone) or 5-[(2-benzyl-2,3-dihydrobenzopyran)-5 ylmethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or englitazone); or a pharmaceutically 15 acceptable form thereof.

14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an insulin sensitiser, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. 20

15. A composition according to claim 14, wherein the alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent is acarbose, emiglitate or miglitol.

16. A composition according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the alpha 25 glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent is acarbose.

17. A composition according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the insulin sensitiser is Compound (I) 30

18. A composition according to any one of claims 14 to 17, which comprises 2 to 12 mg of Compound (I).

19. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an insulin sensitiser an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically 35 acceptable carrier therefor, for use as an active therapeutic substance. -12- WO 98/57635 PCT/EP98/03691

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an insulin sensitiser, an alpha glucosidase inhibitor antihyperglycaemic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor, for use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and 5 conditions associated with diabetes mellitus.

21.A composition according to any one of claims 14, 20 or 21, wherein the insulin sensitiser is (+) -5-[[4-[(3,4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1 benzopyran-2-yl)methoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione (or 10 troglitazone), 5-[4-[(1 -methylcyclohexyl)methoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4 dione (or ciglitazone), 5-[4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]benzyl] thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or pioglitazone) or 5-[(2-benzyl-2,3 dihydrobenzopyran)-5-ylmethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (or englitazone); or a pharmaceutically acceptable form thereof. 15 -13-