Last reviewed · How we verify
Acarbose (Glucobay, BAYG5421)
Acarbose inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzymes to slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes.
Acarbose inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzymes to slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, reducing postprandial blood glucose spikes. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Postprandial hyperglycemia in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acarbose (Glucobay, BAYG5421) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Bayer |
| Drug class | Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor |
| Target | Alpha-glucosidase enzymes (intestinal brush border) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acarbose is a competitive inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the small intestine that break down disaccharides and complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides. By delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, it reduces the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after meals, thereby lowering postprandial glucose excursions in patients with diabetes.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Postprandial hyperglycemia in type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- GlucoVIP - Diabetes Treatment by Glucobay® With a Special Therapeutic View to Chosen Patient Groups
- Special Drug Use Investigation of Glucobay OD
- Diabetes Treatment With Glucobay in Combination With Metformin
- Glucose Reduction by Early Acarbose Treatment in Basal Insulin (PHASE4)
- A 3-fold Crossover Bioequivalence Study Between Glucobay Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) and Glucobay Standard Tablet (PHASE1)
- Diabetes Treatment With Glucobay in Combination With Sulfonylurea
- GlucoFriend-evaluation the Effectiveness of Glucobay When Combined With a Basal Insulin
- A 3-fold Crossover Bioequivalence Study Between Glucobay ODT (Orally Disintegrating Tablet) 100 mg and Glucobay Standard Tablet 100 mg (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Acarbose (Glucobay, BAYG5421) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Acarbose (Glucobay, BAYG5421) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Bayer portfolio CI