How it works

Farxiga is the brand name (trade name) for dapagliflozin, which may be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), a protein found in the early proximal tubule of a nephron (a kidney cell) that is responsible for the reabsorption of glucose back into circulation from the blood that flows through the kidneys (the glomerular filtrate). Dapagliflozin prevents glucose resorption and increases the amount of glucose excreted in the urine by blocking this transporter. This aids in the reduction of blood sugar and the improvement of A1C. Dapagliflozin also reduces sodium reabsorption and increases sodium delivery to the distal tubule, which can help reduce heart loading and how hard the heart has to work to pump blood around the body.

Farxiga belongs to a class of drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors.