ARX-VILDAGLIPTIN/METFORMIN

MIMS Revision Date: 01 April 2026

1 Name of Medicine

Vildagliptin/metformin hydrochloride.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin film coated tablets are available in 3 strengths:
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/500. 50 mg vildagliptin and 500 mg metformin hydrochloride.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/850. 50 mg vildagliptin and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/1000. 50 mg vildagliptin and 1,000 mg metformin hydrochloride.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/500. Pale yellow, ovaloid, film-coated tablet with bevelled edge, plain surface on both sides.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/850. Yellow, ovaloid, film-coated tablet with bevelled edge, plain surface on both sides.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/1000. Dark yellow, ovaloid, film-coated tablet with bevelled edge, plain surface on both sides.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM):
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in patients whose diabetes is not adequately controlled on metformin hydrochloride alone or who are already treated with the combination of vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride, as separate tablets. Treatment should not be initiated with this fixed-dose combination.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is indicated in combination with a sulfonylurea (i.e. triple combination therapy) as an adjunct to diet and exercise in patients inadequately controlled with metformin and a sulfonylurea.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is indicated as add-on to insulin as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in patients when stable dose of insulin and metformin alone do not provide adequate glycaemic control.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Life threatening lactic acidosis can occur due to accumulation of metformin. The main risk factor is renal impairment, other risk factors include old age associated with reduced renal function and high doses of metformin above 2 g per day.
To minimise the risk of lactic acidosis, only one strength of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should be prescribed and used at any one time. Patients should also be advised to discard their previous metformin medication when initiated on ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin.
Adults. The use of antihyperglycaemic therapy in the management of T2DM should be individualized on the basis of effectiveness and tolerability. The recommended starting dose of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should be based on the patient's current regimen of vildagliptin and/or metformin hydrochloride. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should be given with meals to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects associated with metformin hydrochloride. When using ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin the maximum daily dose of vildagliptin (100 mg) should not be exceeded.
Starting dose for patients inadequately controlled on metformin hydrochloride monotherapy. Based on the patient's current dose of metformin hydrochloride, ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin may be initiated at either the 50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/850 mg or 50 mg/1,000 mg tablet strength twice daily.
Starting dose for patients switching from combination therapy of vildagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride as separate tablets. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin may be initiated with either the 50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/850 mg or 50 mg/1,000 mg tablet strength based on the dose of vildagliptin or metformin already being taken.
Use in combination with a sulfonylurea or with insulin. The dose of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should provide vildagliptin dosed as 50 mg twice daily (100 mg total daily dose) and a dose of metformin similar to the dose already being taken.
Special populations. Renal impairment. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be assessed before initiation of treatment with metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) and at least annually thereafter. In patients at increased risk of further progression of renal impairment and in the elderly, renal function should be assessed more frequently, e.g. every 3 to 6 months.
The maximum daily dose of metformin should preferably be divided into 2 to 3 daily doses. Factors that may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use) should be reviewed before considering initiation of metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) in patients with GFR < 60 mL/min. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with GFR < 30 mL/min because of its metformin component (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
The following dosing recommendations apply to metformin and vildagliptin, used separately or in combination, in patients with renal impairment. If no adequate strength of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is available, individual components should be used instead of the fixed dose combination. See Table 1.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to vildagliptin or metformin hydrochloride or to any of the excipients (see Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition).
Patients with renal impairment. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min) (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Congestive heart failure. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure requiring pharmacologic treatment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Metabolic acidosis. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.
Radiologic studies. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should be temporarily discontinued in patients undergoing radiologic studies involving intravascular administration of iodinated contrast materials, because use of such products may result in acute alteration of renal function (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

General. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is not a substitute for insulin in patients requiring insulin. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should not be used in patients with T1D or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Monitoring of renal function. GFR should be assessed before treatment initiation and regularly thereafter (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method Administration). ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with GFR < 30 mL/min because of its metformin component and should be temporarily discontinued in the presence of conditions that alter renal function (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Metformin hydrochloride is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney and the risk of metformin hydrochloride accumulation and lactic acidosis increases with the degree of renal function impairment. Patients with serum creatinine levels above the ULN for their age should not receive ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin. Since advancing age is associated with reduced renal function, metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should be carefully titrated in the elderly to establish the minimum dose for adequate glycaemic effect, and renal function should be monitored regularly (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Concomitant medications that may affect renal function or metformin hydrochloride disposition. Concomitant medications that may affect renal function, result in significant haemodynamic change or inhibit renal transport and increase metformin systemic exposure should be used with caution (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Cardiac failure. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure requiring pharmacologic treatment, which may potentially interact with metformin hydrochloride (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
A clinical study of vildagliptin in patients with NYHA functional class I-III showed that treatment with vildagliptin was not associated with a change in left-ventricular function or worsening of pre-existing CHF versus placebo. Clinical experience in patients with NYHA functional class III treated with vildagliptin is still limited and results are inconclusive (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).
There is no experience of vildagliptin use in clinical studies in patients with NYHA functional class IV and therefore use is not recommended in these patients.
Use in hepatic impairment. Vildagliptin, and hence ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is not recommended in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic impairment, including patients with pre-treatment ALT or AST > 2.5 x the ULN.
Since impaired hepatic function has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis (a risk associated with metformin hydrochloride), metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should generally be avoided in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease.
Liver enzyme monitoring. Rare cases of hepatic dysfunction (including hepatitis) have been reported with vildagliptin. In these cases, the patients were generally asymptomatic without clinical sequelae and liver function tests (LFTs) returned to normal after discontinuation of treatment. LFTs should be performed prior to the initiation of treatment with ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is not recommended in patients with a pre-treatment ALT or AST > 2.5 x the ULN. LFTs should be monitored during ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin treatment at three-month intervals during the first year and periodically thereafter. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be monitored with a second liver function evaluation to confirm the finding and be followed up thereafter with frequent liver function tests until the abnormality/abnormalities return to normal. Should an increase in AST or ALT of 3 x the ULN or greater persist, withdrawal of therapy with ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is recommended. Patients who develop jaundice or other signs suggestive of liver dysfunction should discontinue ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin and contact their physician immediately. Following withdrawal of treatment with ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin and LFT normalisation, ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should not be reinitiated. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment.
Lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a very rare but serious metabolic complication that most often occurs with acute worsening of renal function, or cardiorespiratory illness or sepsis. Metformin accumulation occurs with acute worsening of renal function and increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
In case of dehydration (e.g. due to severe diarrhea or vomiting, fever or reduced fluid intake), the patient should stop taking metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) and seek immediate medical attention.
Medicinal products that can acutely impair renal function (such as antihypertensives, diuretics and NSAIDs) should be initiated with caution in patients treated with metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin). Other risk factors for lactic acidosis are excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, inadequately controlled diabetes, ketosis, prolonged fasting and any conditions associated with hypoxia, as well as concomitant use of medicinal products that may cause lactic acidosis (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Diagnosis of lactic acidosis. Patients and/or caregivers should be informed of the risk of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is characterised by acidotic dyspnoea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, asthenia and hypothermia followed by coma. If suspected symptoms occur, the patient should stop taking metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) and seek immediate medical attention. Diagnostic laboratory findings are decreased blood pH (< 7.35), increased plasma lactate levels (> 5 mmol/L) and an increased anion gap and lactate/pyruvate ratio. If metabolic acidosis is suspected, treatment with metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should be discontinued and the patient should be immediately hospitalised (see Section 4.9 Overdose).
Hypothyroidism. Metformin induces a reduction in thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)) levels in patients with treated or untreated hypothyroidism (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects). Regular monitoring of TSH levels is recommended in patients with hypothyroidism.
Studies have shown that metformin reduces plasma TSH levels, often to subnormal levels, when it is administered to patients with untreated hypothyroidism or to hypothyroid patients effectively treated with levothyroxine. The metformin-induced reduction of plasma TSH levels is not observed when metformin is administered to patients with normal thyroid function. Metformin has been suggested to enhance the inhibitory modulation of thyroid hormones on TSH secretion.
Levothyroxine can reduce the hypoglycaemic effect of metformin. Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended in patients with hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine, especially when thyroid hormone therapy is initiated, changed, or stopped (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Levothyroxine).
Patients with known or suspected mitochondrial diseases. In patients with known mitochondrial diseases such as mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome and maternal inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), metformin is not recommended due to the risk of lactic acidosis exacerbation and neurologic complications which may lead to worsening of the disease.
In case of signs and symptoms suggestive of MELAS syndrome or MIDD, treatment with metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should be discontinued immediately and proper diagnostic evaluation should be performed.
Administration of intravascular iodinated contrast materials. Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents may lead to contrast-induced nephropathy, resulting in metformin accumulation and increased risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should be discontinued prior to or at the time of the imaging procedures and not restarted until 48 hours subsequent to the procedure and reinstituted only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Hypoxic states. Cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and other conditions characterized by hypoxaemia have been associated with lactic acidosis and may also cause pre-renal azotemia. If such events occur in patients receiving metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin), the medication should be promptly discontinued.
Surgical procedures. Metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) must be discontinued at the time of surgery under general, spinal or epidural anaesthesia (except minor procedures not associated with restricted intake of food and fluids) and may be restarted no earlier than 48 hours following surgery or until the patient's oral nutrition has resumed and renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable.
Alcohol intake. Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin hydrochloride on lactate metabolism. Patients should be warned against excessive alcohol intake while receiving metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin).
Alcohol intoxication is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, particularly in cases of fasting, malnutrition or hepatic impairment.
Vitamin B₁₂ levels. Metformin has been associated with a decrease in serum vitamin B₁₂ levels without clinical manifestations, in approximately 7% of patients. Such a decrease is very rarely associated with anaemia and appears to be rapidly reversible with discontinuation of metformin hydrochloride and/or vitamin B₁₂ supplementation. Measurement of haematological parameters on at least an annual basis is advised for patients receiving metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) and any apparent abnormalities should be appropriately investigated and managed. Certain individuals (e.g. those with inadequate vitamin B₁₂ or calcium intake or absorption) appear to be predisposed to developing subnormal vitamin B₁₂ levels. In these patients, routine serum vitamin B₁₂ measurements at minimally two to three year intervals may be useful.
Change in clinical status of patients with previously controlled T2DM. A patient with T2DM previously well controlled on ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin who develops laboratory abnormalities or clinical illness (especially vague and poorly defined illness) should promptly be evaluated for ketoacidosis and/or lactic acidosis. If acidosis of either form occurs, ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin must be stopped immediately and appropriate measures initiated.
Hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia does not usually occur in patients receiving ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin alone, but could occur when caloric intake is deficient, when strenuous exercise is not compensated by caloric supplementation, or ethanol use. Elderly, debilitated or malnourished patients and those with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency or alcohol intoxication are susceptible to hypoglycaemic effects. Hypoglycaemia may be difficult to recognize in the elderly and in people taking beta-adrenergic blocking drugs.
Loss of control of blood glucose. When a patient stabilized on any diabetic regimen is exposed to stress such as fever, trauma, infection, surgery, etc., a temporary loss of glycaemic control may occur. At such times, it may be necessary to withhold ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin and temporarily administer insulin. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin may be reinstituted after the acute episode is resolved.
Arthralgia. There have been post-marketing reports of joint pain, which may be severe, in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Onset of symptoms following initiation of treatment may be rapid or may occur after longer periods. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered in patients who present with or experience an exacerbation of joint symptoms during treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors.
Bullous pemphigoid. Post-marketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalisation have been reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Use in the elderly (≥ 65 years). As metformin is excreted via the kidney, and elderly patients have a tendency to decreased renal function, elderly patients taking metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) should have their renal function monitored regularly. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should only be used in elderly patients with normal renal function (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Paediatric use. The safety and effectiveness of vildagliptin/metformin tablets in paediatric patients have not been established. Therefore, ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
Effects on laboratory tests. See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in hepatic impairment, Liver enzyme monitoring.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

No clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions have been observed when vildagliptin (100 mg once daily) was co-administered with metformin hydrochloride (1,000 mg once daily). Drug interactions for each component of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin have been extensively studied. However, the concomitant use of the active substances in patients in clinical studies and in widespread clinical use has not resulted in any unexpected interactions.
The following statements reflect the information available on the individual active substances (vildagliptin and metformin).
Vildagliptin. Vildagliptin has low potential for drug interactions. Since vildagliptin is not a cytochrome P (CYP) 450 enzyme substrate nor does it inhibit or induce CYP450 enzymes, it is not likely to interact with co-medications that are substrates, inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes.
Furthermore, vildagliptin does not affect metabolic clearance of co-medications metabolised by CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4/5. Drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with commonly co-prescribed medications for patients with T2DM or medications with a narrow therapeutic window. As a result of these studies no clinically relevant interactions with other oral antidiabetics (glibenclamide, pioglitazone, metformin hydrochloride), amlodipine, digoxin, ramipril, simvastatin, valsartan or warfarin were observed after co-administration with vildagliptin.
Metformin hydrochloride. Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine can reduce the hypoglycaemic effect of metformin. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended, especially when thyroid hormone therapy is initiated, changed, or stopped (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), and dosage adjusted as necessary.
Furosemide. Furosemide increased C_max and blood AUC of metformin with no change in renal clearance of metformin. Metformin decreased C_max, blood AUC of furosemide, with no change in renal clearance of furosemide.
Nifedipine. Nifedipine increased absorption, C_max and AUC of metformin, and increased excretion of metformin in urine. Metformin had minimal effects on nifedipine.
Glyburide. Glyburide produced no changes in metformin PK/PD parameters. Decreases in C_max, blood AUC of glyburide were observed, but were highly variable. Therefore the clinical significance of this finding was unclear.
Iodinated contrast agents. Metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin) must be discontinued prior to or at the time of the imaging procedure and not restarted until at least 48 hours after, provided that renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Drugs that reduce metformin clearance. Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g. organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2]/multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin.
Other. Some drugs can adversely affect renal function which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, e.g. NSAIDs, including selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX) II inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and diuretics, especially loop diuretics. When starting or using such products in combination with metformin-containing products (such as ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin), close monitoring of renal function is necessary.
Certain drugs tend to cause hyperglycaemia and may lead to loss of glycaemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blocking drugs, and isoniazid. Close monitoring of glycaemic control and metformin dose adjustments are recommended when such drugs are administered or withdrawn for these patients.
There is an increased risk of lactic acidosis in acute alcohol intoxication (particularly in the case of fasting, malnutrition or hepatic impairment) due to metformin. Consumption of alcohol and medicinal products containing alcohol should be avoided (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility. No studies have been conducted with vildagliptin and metformin in combination to evaluate potential effects on fertility. Fertility studies have been performed with vildagliptin in rats at doses producing exposures equivalent to up to 160 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired male or female fertility or early embryonic development due to vildagliptin. Fertility of male or female rats was also unaffected by metformin administration at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day, or approximately 3-times the maximum recommended daily human dose on a body surface area basis.
Use in pregnancy. (Category C)
Embryofetal development (teratology) studies have been conducted in rats and rabbits with the combination of vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride in a 1:10 ratio. There was no evidence of teratogenicity at oral doses yielding plasma exposure levels up to ca 14-20 times (rats) or 1.3-2 times (rabbits) that anticipated in patients at the maximum recommended clinical dose. An increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification in rats and an increase in early resorptions in rabbits were observed at these doses.
However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal studies are not always predictive of the human response. Therefore ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Because current information strongly suggests that abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of congenital anomalies as well as increased neonatal morbidity and mortality, most experts recommend that insulin monotherapy be used during pregnancy to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
Use in lactation. No studies have been conducted with the combined components of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin. Metformin is excreted into human breast milk. It is not known whether vildagliptin is excreted in human milk or not. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin should not be administered to breast-feeding women.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Patients who are prone to dizziness should therefore avoid driving vehicles or using machines (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Reporting suspected adverse effects. Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.
The data presented here relate to the administration of vildagliptin and metformin as a free or fixed dose combination.
Rare cases of angioedema have been reported on vildagliptin at a similar rate to controls. A greater proportion of cases were reported when vildagliptin was administered in combination with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor). The majority of events were mild in severity and resolved with ongoing vildagliptin treatment.
Rare cases of hepatic dysfunction (including hepatitis) have been reported with vildagliptin. In these cases, the patients were generally asymptomatic without clinical sequelae and liver function tests (LFTs) returned to normal after discontinuation of treatment. In data from controlled monotherapy and add-on therapy studies lasting up to 24 weeks, the incidence of ALT or AST elevations ≥ 3 x ULN (classified as present on at least 2 consecutive measurements or at the final on-treatment visit) was 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.2% for vildagliptin 50 mg daily, vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily and all comparators, respectively. These elevations in transaminases were generally asymptomatic, non-progressive in nature and not associated with cholestasis or jaundice.
In clinical studies with the combination of vildagliptin + metformin, 0.4% of patients withdrew due to adverse reactions in the vildagliptin 50 mg once daily + metformin treatment group, and no withdrawal due to adverse reactions was reported in either the vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily + metformin or the placebo + metformin treatment groups.
In clinical studies, the incidence of hypoglycaemia was uncommon in patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg once daily in combination with metformin (0.9%), patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily in combination with metformin (0.5%) and in patients receiving placebo and metformin (0.4%). No severe hypoglycaemic events were reported in the vildagliptin arms.
Vildagliptin is weight-neutral when administered in combination with metformin.
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions including diarrhoea and nausea are known to occur very commonly during the introduction of metformin hydrochloride. In the vildagliptin monotherapy clinical program (n = 2264) where vildagliptin was administered 50 mg once daily, 50 mg twice daily, or 100 mg once daily, the rate of diarrhoea was 1.2%, 3.5% and 0.8%, respectively, and the rate of nausea was 1.7%, 3.7% and 1.7%, respectively, as compared to 2.9% for both in the placebo group (n = 347) and 26.2% and 10.3%, respectively, in the metformin hydrochloride group (n = 252).
Overall, gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in 13.2% (50 mg once daily or twice daily) of patients treated with the combination of vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride compared to 18.1% of patients treated with metformin hydrochloride alone.
Adverse reactions reported in patients who received vildagliptin in double-blind studies as an add-on to metformin and as monotherapy, are listed in Table 2 for each indication, by system organ class and absolute frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000, < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000, < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000), including isolated reports. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Long-term clinical studies of up to more than 2 years in duration, did not show any additional safety signals or unforeseen risks when vildagliptin was added on to metformin.
Metabolic. Reduction of TSH level in patients with treated or untreated hypothyroidism (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Combination with insulin. Pooled safety data from two controlled clinical studies using vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily in combination with insulin, with or without concomitant metformin, identified the following adverse reactions:
Common: headache, chills, nausea, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, decreased blood glucose.
Uncommon: diarrhoea, flatulence.
The overall incidence of withdrawals due to adverse reactions was 0.3% in the vildagliptin treatment group and there were no cases of withdrawal in the placebo group.
The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar in both treatment groups (14.0% in the vildagliptin group vs 16.4% in the placebo group). Two patients reported severe hypoglycaemic events in the vildagliptin group, and 6 patients in the placebo group.
At the end of the study, the effect on mean body weight was neutral (+0.6 kg change from baseline in the vildagliptin group and no weight change in the placebo group).
The adverse effect profiles for the vildagliptin and placebo arms of the 24-week study investigating vildagliptin as add-on to insulin treatment (with or without metformin) is shown in Table 3.
Combination with SU. There were no cases of withdrawal reported due to adverse reactions in the vildagliptin + metformin + glimepiride treatment group. vs. 0.6% in the placebo + metformin + glimepiride treatment group.
The incidence of hypoglycaemia was common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10) in both treatment groups, but was numerically greater for the vildagliptin + metformin + glimepiride group (5.1%) than the placebo + metformin + glimepiride group (1.9%). One severe hypoglycaemic event was reported in the vildagliptin group.
At the end of the study, the effect on mean body weight was neutral (+0.6 kg in the vildagliptin group and -0.1 kg in the placebo group). See Table 4.
Vildagliptin. Adverse reactions for vildagliptin component from monotherapy double blind studies are presented in Table 5.
None of the adverse reactions reported for the vildagliptin monotherapy were observed at clinically significantly higher rates when vildagliptin was administered concomitantly with metformin.
The overall incidence of withdrawal from monotherapy studies due to adverse reactions was no greater for patients treated with vildagliptin at a dose of 50 mg once daily (0.2%) or vildagliptin at a dose of 50 mg twice daily (0.1%) than for placebo (0.6%) or comparators (0.5%).
In monotherapy studies, hypoglycaemia was uncommon reported in 0.5% (2 of 409) of patients treated with vildagliptin 50 mg once daily and 0.3% (4 of 1373) of patients treated with vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily compared to 0.2% (2 of 1082) of patients in the groups treated with an active comparator or placebo, with no serious or severe events reported. Vildagliptin is weight neutral when administered as monotherapy.
Long term clinical studies of up to 2 years did not show any additional safety signals or unforeseen risks with vildagliptin monotherapy.
Post-marketing experience with vildagliptin. During post-marketing experience the following additional adverse drug reaction has been reported:
Rare cases of hepatitis reversible upon drug discontinuation.
Frequency not known*: urticaria, bullous and exfoliative skin lesions, including bullous pemphigoid (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use); cutaneous vasculitis; pancreatitis; arthralgia, sometimes severe; cholecystitis.
*Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency which is therefore categorized as "not known".
Metformin hydrochloride. Known adverse reactions for the metformin are summarized in Table 6.
Gastrointestinal adverse effects occur most frequently during initiation of therapy and resolve spontaneously in most cases. To prevent them, it is recommended that metformin be taken in 2 daily doses during or after meals. A slow increase in the dose may also improve gastrointestinal tolerability.

4.9 Overdose

Accidental overdose resulting from the continuance of previously prescribed products may occur. To avoid accidental overdose, patients should be advised to discard their previous metformin medication when prescribed with ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin.
Symptoms and treatment. Vildagliptin. In healthy subjects (seven to fourteen subjects per treatment group), vildagliptin was administered in once-daily doses of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg for up to 10 consecutive days. Doses up to 200 mg were well tolerated. At 400 mg, there were three cases of muscle pain, and individual cases of mild and transient paraesthesia, fever, oedema and transient increase in lipase levels (2 x ULN). At 600 mg, one subject experienced oedema of the hands and feet, and an excessive increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, accompanied by elevations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein, and myoglobin. Three additional subjects in this dose group presented with oedema of both feet, accompanied by paraesthesia in two cases. All symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved after study drug discontinuation.
Vildagliptin is not dialyzable, however the major hydrolysis metabolite (LAY151) can be removed by haemodialysis.
Metformin hydrochloride. Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 grams. Hypoglycaemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin hydrochloride overdose cases. Metformin hydrochloride is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good haemodynamic conditions. Therefore, haemodialysis may be useful for removal of the accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin hydrochloride overdosage is suspected.
In the event of overdosage, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to patient's clinical signs and symptoms. Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice on management.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin combines two antihyperglycaemic agents with different mechanisms of action to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM): vildagliptin, a member of the DPP-4 (dipeptidyl-peptidase-4) inhibitor class and metformin hydrochloride, a member of the biguanide class.
Vildagliptin. Vildagliptin, a member of the islet enhancer class, is a high affinity dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that improves glycaemic control.
The administration of vildagliptin results in rapid and near complete inhibition of DPP-4 activity. In patients with type 2 diabetes, administration of vildagliptin led to inhibition of DPP-4 enzyme activity for a 24-hour period. Vildagliptin inhibition of DPP-4 results in increased fasting and postprandial endogenous levels of the incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
By increasing the endogenous levels of these incretin hormones, vildagliptin enhances the sensitivity of beta cells to glucose, resulting in improved glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Treatment with 50 to 100 mg daily in patients with T2DM significantly improved markers of beta-cell function. The degree of improvement in beta cell function is dependent on the initial degree of impairment; in non-diabetic (normal glycaemic) individuals, vildagliptin does not stimulate insulin secretion or reduce glucose levels.
By increasing endogenous GLP-1 levels, vildagliptin enhances the sensitivity of alpha cells to glucose, resulting in more glucose-appropriate glucagon secretion. The reduction in inappropriate glucagon during meals in turn attenuates insulin resistance.
The enhanced increase in the insulin/glucagon ratio during hyperglycaemia (due to increased incretin hormone levels) results in a decrease in fasting and postprandial hepatic glucose production, leading to reduced glycaemia.
The known effect of increased GLP-1 levels to delay gastric emptying is not observed with vildagliptin treatment. In addition, a reduction in postprandial lipaemia that is not associated with vildagliptin's incretin mediated effect to improve islet function has been observed.
Metformin hydrochloride. Metformin hydrochloride improves glucose tolerance in patients with T2DM, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin hydrochloride decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin hydrochloride does not cause hypoglycaemia in either patients with T2DM or normal subjects (except in special circumstances), and does not cause hyperinsulinaemia. With metformin hydrochloride therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease.
Metformin hydrochloride stimulates intracellular glycogen synthesis by acting on glycogen synthase and increases the transport capacity of specific types of membrane glucose transporters (GLUT-1 and GLUT-4).
In humans, metformin hydrochloride has favourable effects on lipid metabolism, independent of its action on glycemia. This has been shown at therapeutic doses in controlled, medium-term or long-term clinical studies: metformin hydrochloride reduces total cholesterol, LDLc and triglyceride levels.
Clinical trials. Vildagliptin. More than 15,000 patients with T2DM participated in double-blind, placebo- or active-controlled clinical studies of more than 2 years of treatment duration [1]. In these studies, vildagliptin was administered to more than 9,000 patients at daily doses of 50 mg once daily, 50 mg twice daily, or 100 mg once daily. More than 5,000 male and more than 4,000 female patients received vildagliptin 50 mg once daily or 100 mg daily. More than 1,900 patients receiving vildagliptin 50 mg once daily or 100 mg daily were ≥ 65 years of age. In these studies, vildagliptin was administered as monotherapy in drug-naïve patients with T2DM or in combination in patients not adequately controlled by other antidiabetic medicinal products [2].
Overall, vildagliptin improved glycaemic control when given as monotherapy or when used in combination with metformin hydrochloride, as measured by clinically relevant reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose from baseline at the study endpoint [3]. When given as monotherapy or in combination with metformin hydrochloride in studies of up to 52 weeks in duration, these improvements in glucose homeostasis were durable [4,5].
Metformin. The prospective randomised (UKPDS) study has established the long-term benefit of intensive blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Analysis of the results for overweight patients treated with metformin hydrochloride after failure of diet alone showed:
a significant reduction of the absolute risk of any diabetes related complication in the metformin hydrochloride group (29.8 events/1,000 patient-years) versus diet alone (43.3 events/1,000 patient-years), p = 0.0023, and versus the combined sulfonylurea and insulin monotherapy groups (40.1 events/1,000 patient-years), p = 0.0034;
a significant reduction of the absolute risk of diabetes related mortality: metformin hydrochloride 7.5 events/1,000 patient-years, diet alone 12.7 events/1,000 patient-years, p = 0.017;
a significant reduction of the absolute risk of overall mortality: metformin hydrochloride 13.5 events/1,000 patient-years versus diet alone 20.6 events/1,000 patient-years (p = 0.011), and versus the combined sulfonylurea and insulin monotherapy groups 18.9 events/1,000 patient-years (p = 0.021); and
a significant reduction in the absolute risk of myocardial infarction: metformin hydrochloride 11 events/1,000 patient-years, diet alone 18 events/1,000 patient-years (p = 0.01).
Vildagliptin combination therapy with metformin. The efficacy and safety of the separate components have previously been established and the efficacy and safety of the co-administration of the separate components have been evaluated in clinical studies. These clinical studies established an added benefit of vildagliptin in patients with inadequately controlled T2DM while on metformin hydrochloride therapy. Vildagliptin/metformin tablets were shown to be bioequivalent to the individual components.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study 2303; n=544) in patients with T2DM whose hyperglycaemia was inadequately controlled on a maximum dose of metformin hydrochloride alone, the addition of vildagliptin (50 mg once daily or 100 mg in divided doses) for 24 weeks led to statistically significant reductions in HbA1c and increased the proportion of patients achieving at least a 0.7% reduction in HbA1c, when compared to patients who continued on metformin hydrochloride alone [6]. Group mean baseline HbA1c (%) ranged from 8.3% (placebo plus metformin hydrochloride) to 8.4% (in both vildagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride groups). Vildagliptin combined with metformin hydrochloride resulted in additional statistically significant mean reductions in HbA1c compared to placebo (between group differences of -0.7% to -1.1% for vildagliptin 50 mg and 100 mg, respectively). The proportion of patients who achieved a clinically meaningful and robust decrease in HbA1c (defined as a decrease ≥ 0.7% from baseline) was statistically significantly higher in both vildagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride groups (46% and 60%, respectively) versus the metformin hydrochloride plus placebo group (20%). Patients on the combination of vildagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride did not experience a meaningful change in body weight compared to baseline. After 24 weeks, there was a decrease from baseline for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the vildagliptin treatment groups combined with metformin hydrochloride. Mean changes from baseline were -2.0/-0.8 mmHg, -3.5/-2.2 mmHg, and -0.8/-0.1 mmHg, in patients receiving metformin hydrochloride combined with vildagliptin 50 mg once daily, vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily or placebo, respectively. The incidence of gastrointestinal side effects ranged from 10% to 15% in the vildagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride groups as compared to 18% in the metformin hydrochloride plus placebo group.
The effect of vildagliptin in combination with metformin hydrochloride was evaluated in another, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study (Study 2204E1) lasting 52 weeks in total (12-week core study plus a 40-week extension) involving 132 patients with T2DM on stable doses of metformin hydrochloride (1,500 mg to 3,000 mg daily) [5]. The addition of vildagliptin (50 mg once daily) to metformin hydrochloride resulted in an additional statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c (-0.6%) from baseline compared to placebo plus metformin hydrochloride (+0.1%) at the end of the 12-week study interval (mean baseline HbA1c of 7.7% and 7.9%, respectively). Of these patients, 71 continued add-on treatment with vildagliptin or placebo for an additional 40 weeks (placebo-controlled, double-blind extension) and 58 of these patients completed the full 52-week treatment. At 52 weeks, mean change from baseline in HbA1c was statistically significantly greater and sustained with vildagliptin (50 mg) plus metformin hydrochloride versus patients continued on metformin hydrochloride alone (between group difference of -1.1%) indicating a durable effect on glycaemic control. In contrast, glycaemic control in the metformin hydrochloride plus placebo group deteriorated over the course of the study.
In a double-blind, active-controlled 24-week study (Study 2354; n=576), vildagliptin (100 mg/day; 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening) was compared to pioglitazone (30 mg once daily) in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin alone [7]. Mean reductions from baseline HbA1c of 8.4% were -0.9% with vildagliptin added to metformin and -1.0% with pioglitazone added to metformin. The decrease in HbA1c from baseline > 9.0% was greater (-1.5%) in both treatment groups. Patients receiving pioglitazone in addition to metformin experienced an increase in weight of 1.9 kg while those receiving vildagliptin in addition to metformin experienced an increase in weight of 0.3 kg. In a 28 week extension, HbA1c reductions were similar between treatment groups and the body weight difference further increased.
In a long term, double-blind, active-controlled study of more than 2 years (Study 2308; n=3118), vildagliptin (100 mg/day; 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening) was compared to glimepiride (up to 6 mg/day) in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin. After 1 year, mean reductions in HbA1c were -0.4% with vildagliptin added to metformin and -0.5% with glimepiride added to metformin. Body weight change with vildagliptin was -0.2 kg vs +1.6 kg with glimepiride. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was significantly lower in the vildagliptin group (1.7%) than in the glimepiride group (16.2%). At the study endpoint (2 years), the HbA1c was similar to baseline values in both treatment groups and the body weight changes and hypoglycaemia differences were maintained [8].
In a 24-week study (study 2302) the efficacy of the fixed dose combination of vildagliptin and metformin (gradually titrated to a dose of 50 mg/500 mg twice daily or 50 mg/1,000 mg twice daily) as initial therapy in drug naïve patients was evaluated. The mean HbA1c reductions were significantly greater with vildagliptin plus metformin combination therapy compared to either monotherapy. Vildagliptin/metformin 50 mg/1,000 mg twice daily reduced HbA1c by -1.82% and vildagliptin/metformin 50 mg/500 mg twice daily by -1.61% from a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.6%. The decrease in HbA1c observed in patients with a baseline ≥ 10.0% was greater. Body weight decreased in all groups, with a mean reduction of -1.2 kg for both vildagliptin plus metformin combinations. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar across treatment groups (0% with vildagliptin plus metformin combinations and 0.7% with each monotherapy) [9].
Combination with insulin. A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study A23135) was conducted in 449 patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) in combination with a stable dose of basal or premixed insulin (mean daily dose 41 U), with (N = 276) or without (N = 173) concomitant metformin. The patients treated concomitantly with metformin were given separate doses of vildagliptin and metformin rather than the fixed dose combination tablets, and only a limited number of patients were treated with doses matching those available from vildagliptin/metformin tablets.
Vildagliptin in combination with insulin significantly decreased HbA1c compared with placebo. In the overall population, the placebo-adjusted mean reduction from a mean baseline HbA1c 8.8% was -0.72%. In the subgroups treated with insulin with or without concomitant metformin the placebo-adjusted mean reduction in HbA1c was -0.63% and -0.84%, respectively. The incidence of hypoglycaemia in the overall population was 8.4% and 7.2% in the vildagliptin and placebo groups, respectively. Changes in weight were +0.2 kg and -0.7 kg in the vildagliptin and placebo groups, respectively [10].
Triple combination therapy with glimepiride. A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 318 patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin (50 mg twice daily) in combination with metformin (≥ 1,500 mg daily) and glimepiride (≥ 4 mg daily). Vildagliptin in combination with metformin and glimepiride significantly decreased HbA1c compared with placebo: the placebo-adjusted mean reduction from a mean baseline HbA1c 8.8% was -0.76% [11].
Cardiac failure. A 52-week multi-centre, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure (CHF) New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I - III to evaluate the effect of vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily (N=128) compared to placebo (N=126) on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Vildagliptin was not associated with a change in left-ventricular function or worsening of pre-existing CHF. Adjudicated cardiovascular events were overall balanced. There were more cardiac events in vildagliptin treated patients with NYHA class III heart failure compared to placebo. However there were imbalances in baseline CV risk favouring placebo and the number of events was low, precluding firm conclusions. Vildagliptin significantly decreased HbA1c compared with placebo (difference of 0.6%) from a mean baseline of 7.8%. In the subgroup of patients with NYHA class III heart failure, the decrease in HbA1c compared to placebo was lower (difference 0.3%) but this conclusion is limited by the small number of patients (n=44). The incidence of hypoglycaemia in the overall population was 4.7% and 5.6% in the vildagliptin and placebo groups, respectively [12].
Cardiovascular risk. A meta-analysis of independently and prospectively adjudicated cardiovascular events from 37 phase III and IV monotherapy and combination therapy clinical studies of up to more than 2 years in duration was performed. It involved 9,599 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with vildagliptin 50 mg once daily or 50 mg twice daily and showed that vildagliptin treatment was not associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk. The composite endpoint of adjudicated major adverse cardio-vascular events (MACE) including acute myocardial infarction, stroke or CV death was similar for vildagliptin versus combined active and placebo comparators [risk ratio (RR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.11)] supporting the cardiovascular safety of vildagliptin. A MACE occurred in 83 out of 9,599 (0.86%) vildagliptin-treated patients and in 85 out of 7,102 (1.20%) comparator treated patients. Assessment of each individual MACE component showed no increased risk (similar RR). Confirmed heart failure events defined as heart failure requiring hospitalization or new onset of heart failure were reported in 41 (0.43%) vildagliptin-treated patients and 32 (0.45%) comparator-treated patients, with RR 1.08 (95% CI 0.68-1.70) showing no increased risk of heart failure in vildagliptin treated patients [1].

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption. In the bioequivalence studies of vildagliptin/metformin tablets at three dose strengths (50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/850 mg and 50 mg/1,000 mg), versus free combination of vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablets at the corresponding doses, the area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (C_max) of both the vildagliptin component and the metformin hydrochloride component of the vildagliptin/metformin tablets were demonstrated to be bioequivalent to that of free combination tablets.
Food does not affect the extent and rate of absorption of vildagliptin from vildagliptin/metformin tablets. The C_max and AUC of the metformin hydrochloride component from vildagliptin/metformin tablets were decreased by 26% and 7%, respectively when given with food. The absorption of metformin hydrochloride was also delayed as reflected by the T_max (2.0 to 4.0 hrs) when given with food. These changes in C_max and AUC are consistent but lower than those observed when metformin hydrochloride was given alone under fed conditions. The effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of both the vildagliptin component and metformin hydrochloride component of vildagliptin/metformin tablets were similar to the pharmacokinetics of vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride when given alone with food.
Vildagliptin. Vildagliptin is rapidly absorbed with an absolute oral bioavailability of 85%. Peak plasma concentrations for vildagliptin and the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner over the therapeutic dose range.
Following oral administration in the fasting state, vildagliptin is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations observed at 1.75 hours. Co-administration with food slightly decreases the rate of absorption of vildagliptin, as characterized by a 19% decrease in peak concentrations, and a delay in the time to peak plasma concentration to 2.5 hours. There is no change in the extent of absorption, and food does not alter the overall exposure (AUC).
Metformin hydrochloride. Studies using single oral doses of metformin tablets indicate a lack of dose proportionality, due to increased absorption of metformin with increasing doses.
The absolute bioavailability of a 500 mg metformin hydrochloride tablet given under fasting conditions is approximate 50 to 60%. Studies using single oral doses of metformin hydrochloride tablets 500 mg to 1,500 mg, and 850 mg to 2550 mg, indicate that there is a lack of dose proportionality with increasing doses, which is due to decreased absorption rather than an alteration in elimination. Food decreases the extent of and slightly delays the absorption of metformin hydrochloride, as shown by approximately a 40% lower mean peak plasma concentration (C_max), a 25% lower area under the plasma concentration versus time curve, and a 35-minute prolongation of the time to peak plasma concentration (T_max) following administration of a single 850 mg tablet of metformin hydrochloride with food, compared to the same tablet strength administered fasting. The clinical relevance of these decreases is unknown.
Distribution. Vildagliptin. The plasma-protein binding of vildagliptin is low (9.3%), and vildagliptin distributes equally between plasma and red blood cells. The mean volume of distribution of vildagliptin at steady-state after intravenous administration (V_ss) is 71 litres, suggesting extravascular distribution.
Metformin hydrochloride. The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of metformin hydrochloride following single oral doses of 850 mg averaged 654 ± 358 litres. Metformin hydrochloride is negligibly bound to plasma proteins, in contrast to sulfonylureas, which are more than 90% protein bound. Metformin hydrochloride partitions into erythrocytes, most likely as a function of time. At usual clinical doses and dosing schedules of metformin hydrochloride, steady-state plasma concentrations of metformin hydrochloride are reached within 24 to 48 hours and are generally < 1 microgram/mL. During controlled clinical studies of metformin hydrochloride, maximum metformin hydrochloride plasma levels did not exceed 5 microgram/mL, even at maximum doses.
Metabolism. Vildagliptin. Metabolism is the major elimination pathway for vildagliptin in humans, accounting for 69% of the dose. The major metabolite, LAY151, is pharmacologically inactive and is the hydrolysis product of the cyano moiety, accounting for 57% of the dose, followed by the amide hydrolysis product (4% of the dose). DPP-4 contributes partially to the hydrolysis of vildagliptin as shown in an in vivo study using DPP-4 deficient rats. Vildagliptin is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes to any quantifiable extent. In vitro studies demonstrated that vildagliptin does not inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Metformin hydrochloride. Metformin is excreted unchanged in the urine and does not undergo hepatic metabolism. In patients with significantly decreased renal function, the plasma half-life of metformin is prolonged and renal clearance is decreased.
Excretion. Vildagliptin. Following oral administration of [¹⁴C]-vildagliptin, approximately 85% of the dose is excreted into the urine and 15% of the dose is recovered in the faeces. Renal excretion of the unchanged vildagliptin accounts for 23% of the dose after oral administration. After an intravenous administration to healthy subjects, the total plasma and renal clearances of vildagliptin are 41 litres/hour and 13 litres/hour, respectively. The mean elimination half-life after intravenous administration is approximately 2 hours. The elimination half-life after oral administration is approximately 3 hours and is independent of the dose.
Metformin hydrochloride. Intravenous single dose studies in normal subjects demonstrate that metformin hydrochloride is excreted unchanged in the urine and does not undergo hepatic metabolism (no metabolites have been identified in humans) or biliary excretion. Renal clearance is approximately 3.5 times greater than creatinine clearance, which indicates that tubular secretion is the major route of elimination. Following oral administration, approximately 90% of the absorbed drug is eliminated via the renal route within the first 24 hours, with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 6.2 hours. In blood, the elimination half-life is approximately 17.6 hours, suggesting that the erythrocyte mass may be a compartment of distribution.
Special populations. Elderly. Vildagliptin. In otherwise healthy elderly subjects (≥ 70 years), the overall exposure to vildagliptin (100 mg once daily) increased by 32% with an 18% increase in peak plasma concentration compared to younger healthy subjects (18 to 40 years). These changes are not considered to be clinically relevant. DPP-4 inhibition by vildagliptin is not affected by age in the age groups studied.
Metformin hydrochloride. Limited data from controlled pharmacokinetic studies of metformin hydrochloride in healthy elderly subjects suggest that total plasma clearance of metformin hydrochloride is decreased, the half-life is prolonged, and C_max is increased, compared to healthy young subjects. From these data, it appears that the change in metformin hydrochloride pharmacokinetics with aging is primarily accounted for by a change in renal function.
ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin treatment should not be initiated in patients ≥ 80 years of age unless measurement of creatinine clearance demonstrates that renal function is not reduced.
Paediatric. No pharmacokinetic data are available in children.
Gender. Vildagliptin. No differences in the pharmacokinetics of vildagliptin were observed between male and female subjects with a diverse range of age and body mass index (BMI). DPP-4 inhibition by vildagliptin was unaffected by gender.
Metformin hydrochloride. Metformin hydrochloride pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly between normal subjects and patients with T2DM when analysed according to gender (males=19, females=16). Similarly, in controlled clinical studies in patients with T2DM, the antihyperglycaemic effect of metformin hydrochloride was comparable in males and females.
Obesity. Vildagliptin. BMI does not show any impact on the pharmacokinetic parameters of vildagliptin. DPP-4 inhibition by vildagliptin was unaffected by BMI.
Hepatic impairment. Vildagliptin. The effect of impaired hepatic function on the pharmacokinetics of vildagliptin was studied in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment based on the Child-Pugh scores (ranging from 6 for mild to 12 for severe) in comparison to subjects with normal hepatic function. The exposure to vildagliptin (100 mg) after a single dose in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment decreased (20% and 8%, respectively), while the exposure to vildagliptin for subjects with severe impairment increased by 22%. The maximum change (increase or decrease) in the exposure to vildagliptin is ~30%, which is not considered to be clinically relevant. There was no correlation between the severity of hepatic function impairment and changes in exposure to vildagliptin.
The use of vildagliptin is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment including patients with a pre-treatment ALT or AST > 2.5 x the upper limit of normal (ULN).
Metformin hydrochloride. No pharmacokinetic studies of metformin hydrochloride have been conducted in subjects with hepatic impairment.
Renal impairment. Vildagliptin. AUC increased on average 1.4, 1.7 and 2-fold in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively, compared to normal healthy subjects. The AUC of the metabolites LAY151 increased 1.6, 3.2 and 7.3-fold and that of BQS867 increased 1.4, 2.7 and 7.3-fold in patients with mild, moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively, compared to healthy volunteers. Limited data from patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) indicate that vildagliptin exposure is similar to that in patients with severe renal impairment. LAY151 concentrations in ESRD patients were approximately 2-3-fold higher than in patients with severe renal impairment. Dosage adjustment may be required in patients with renal impairment (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
Vildagliptin was removed by hemodialysis to a limited extent (3% over a 3-4 hour haemodialysis session starting 4 hours post dose).
Metformin hydrochloride. In patients with decreased renal function (based on measured creatinine clearance), the plasma and blood half-life of metformin hydrochloride is prolonged and the renal clearance is decreased in proportion to the decrease in creatinine clearance.
Race. Vildagliptin. There is no evidence that ethnicity affects the pharmacokinetics of vildagliptin.
Metformin hydrochloride. No studies of metformin hydrochloride pharmacokinetic parameters according to race have been performed. In controlled clinical studies of metformin hydrochloride in patients with T2DM, the antihyperglycaemic effect was comparable in white (n=249), black (n=51) and Hispanic (n=24) patients.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity. Vildagliptin was not mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation assay and a human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration assay. Some clastogenic potential was exhibited in an in vitro micronucleus test in V79 Chinese hamster cells after long exposure to high, cytotoxic concentrations. However, no clastogenicity was observed in either mouse or rat micronucleus tests in vivo at up to ca 400 times the maximum human exposure, based on AUC. Furthermore, an in vivo mouse liver comet assay using the same dose was also negative. The weight of evidence indicates vildagliptin is unlikely to be genotoxic in humans at clinically relevant doses.
Metformin was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay, gene mutation test (mouse lymphoma cells), chromosomal aberrations test (human lymphocytes), or in vivo micronuclei formation test (mouse bone marrow).
Carcinogenicity. No carcinogenicity studies have been conducted with the combined components of ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin.
Long-term oral studies with vildagliptin in rats and mice showed evidence of haemangiosarcomas at high exposures. Tumour incidence was increased at exposure levels 46-235 times (mice) and 150 times (rats) human exposure at the maximum clinical dose, based on AUC. No significant increase in incidence was observed at 15 (males) to 80 (females) times human exposure in mice. No effect levels of ca 80 to 160 times the human exposure were established in rats. Mammary tumour incidence was increased in female mice at approximately 185 times the maximum anticipated human exposures to vildagliptin, but was not increased at ca 80 times. The tumours are thought to result from species specific hormonal disturbances. Based on the available data vildagliptin is not anticipated to present a carcinogenic risk at clinically relevant exposures.
Long-term carcinogenicity studies with metformin were performed in rats (dosing duration of 104 weeks) and mice (dosing duration of 91 weeks) at doses up to and including 900 and 1,500 mg/kg/day respectively. These doses are approximately three to four times the recommended human daily dose on a body surface area basis. No evidence of carcinogenicity with metformin was found in either male or female mice. Similarly, there was no tumorigenic potential observed with metformin in male rats. However, an increased incidence of benign stromal uterine polyps was seen in female rats treated with 900 mg/kg/day.
Effects on skin. In a 13-week toxicology study in cynomolgus monkeys, skin lesions have been recorded at all oral doses administered (5 to 160 mg/kg/day). These were consistently located on the extremities (hands, feet, ears and tail) and included flaking skin, peeling skin, scabs, tail sores and blisters. At 5 mg/kg/day (approximately equivalent to human AUC exposure at the 100 mg dose), lesions were reversible despite continued treatment. Necrotic lesions of the tail were observed at ≥ 80 mg/kg/day (18 times human AUC exposure at the maximum recommended clinical dose). Skin lesions were not reversible in monkeys treated at 160 mg/kg/day (35 times human AUC exposure) during a 4-week recovery period. Skin lesions have not been observed in other animal species and no excess of skin lesions with vildagliptin treatment relative to comparator treatments have been observed in the clinical trial programme.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose, copovidone, crospovidone, hyprolose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol 8000, purified talc, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red (ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/500 only).

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C. Store in the original package. Protect from moisture.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin is available in Al/Al/PVC blister packs.
Pack sizes. ARX-Vildagliptin/Metformin 50/500, 50/850 and 50/1000: 60 tablets.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Vildagliptin is a white to slightly yellowish or slightly greyish crystalline powder with a melting point/range of approximately 150°C. It is freely soluble in water. Metformin is a white crystalline powder which is almost odourless and hygroscopic. It is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether.
Chemical structure. Vildagliptin.

Chemical name: (S)-1-[2-(3-hydroxy- adamantan-1-ylamino) acetyl]-pyrrolidine- 2(S)-carbonitrile.
Molecular formula: C₁₇H₂₅N₃O₂.
Molecular weight: 303.40.
Metformin hydrochloride.
Chemical name: imidodicarbinimidic, N,N-dimethyl-, monohydrochloride.
Molecular formula: C₄H₁₁N₅.HCl.
Molecular weight: 165.6.
CAS number. Vildagliptin. 274901-16-5.
Metformin hydrochloride. 1115-70-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Date of First Approval

02 July 2025

Date of Revision

06 March 2026

Summary Table of Changes

References

1. McInnes G, Evans M, Del Prato S, Stumvoll M, Schweizer A, Lukashevich V et al. Cardiovascular and heart failure safety profile of vildagliptin: a meta-analysis of 17,000 patients. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2015;17(11):1085-1092.
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