Last reviewed · How we verify

Amaryl (GLIMEPIRIDE)

Sanofi · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 62/100

Amaryl works by binding to the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel, closing the channel and depolarizing the pancreatic beta cell membrane, leading to insulin release.

Amaryl (Glimepiride) is a sulfonylurea medication developed by Sanofi Aventis US, targeting the sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. It is a small molecule modality, FDA-approved in 1995 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and treatment-refractory type 2 diabetes mellitus. Amaryl is now off-patent with 17 generic manufacturers, offering a commercial alternative to branded options. Key safety considerations include hypoglycemia risk, particularly when combined with other diabetes medications. As a sulfonylurea, Amaryl works by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.

At a glance

Generic nameGLIMEPIRIDE
SponsorSanofi
Drug classSulfonylurea [EPC]
TargetSulfonylurea receptor 1, Kir6.2
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaMetabolic
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1995

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action. The primary mechanism of action of glimepiride in lowering blood glucose appears to be dependent on stimulating the release of insulin from functioning pancreatic beta cells. In addition, extrapancreatic effects may also play role in the activity of sulfonylureas such as glimepiride. This is supported by both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating that glimepiride administration can lead to increased sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. These findings are consistent with the results of long-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which glimepiride therapy improved postprandial insulin/C-peptide responses and overall glycemic control without producing clinically meaningful increases in fasting insulin/C-peptide levels. However, as with other sulfonylureas, the mechanism by which glimepiride lowers blood glucose during long-term administration has not been clearly established.Glimepiride is effective as initial drug therapy. In patients where m

Approved indications

Common side effects

Drug interactions

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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: