In March 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale and marketing of Invokana (canaglifozin). Invokana is in a class of drugs known as sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Invokana was the first SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved by the FDA. Since then, Invokana sales have grown every quarter on record, driving massive profit margins for Johnson & Johnson.
Invokana sales for the first quarter of 2015 ($278 million) almost tripled compared to 2014 ($94 million). Invokana’s combined sales from the first and second quarters of 2015 ($ 596 million) have already eclipsed its sales for all of 2014 ($570 million).
Invokana sales in 2014
| 1st Quarter | $ 94 million |
| 2nd Quarter | $ 117 million |
| 3rd Quarter | $ 158 million (estimated) |
| 4th Quarter | $ 201 million |
Invokana sales rose 40% from the fourth quarter of 2014 ($201 million) to the first quarter of 2015 ($278 million). Even though other SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance, Glyxambi were approved in 2013 and 2014, Invokana has become a cornerstone for Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to achieving strong pharmaceutical sales.
Invokana sales in 2015
| 1st Quarter | $ 278 million |
| 2nd Quarter | $ 318 million |
| 3rd Quarter | $ N/A |
| 4th Quarter | $ N/A |
Judging by its steady rate of sales for each quarter, Invokana is expected to generate at least $1.5 billion worth of revenue in 2015. Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission consistently highlight Invokana sales lending to steady growth in pharmaceutical sales.
Serious injuries linked to Invokana
In May 2015, the FDA released a Drug Safety Communication detailing reports of ketoacidosis linked to taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Ketoacidosis occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb fatty acids in the blood called ketones. Excessive ketones can cause the blood’s pH level to drop to unsafe levels. Ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition which left untreated may lead to diabetic coma or death.
Invokana is also being examined to see if there are any links between taking the drug long term and suffering serious adverse events like heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Studies are expected to be completed in June 2017 but until then the long term health consequences of taking Invokana remain unknown.
Invokana injury lawsuit
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or were hospitalized while taking Invokana, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. The Cochran Firm, D.C. can help you recover for your lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages by filing an Invokana injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Our accomplished and professional Invokana injury attorneys are offering free, prompt and confidential case reviews for Invokana injury victims. The Cochran Firm, D.C. is representing Invokana injury victims on a contingency basis, meaning there are no legal fees unless we win your case.
Strict time deadlines apply when filing an Invokana lawsuit so please contact The Cochran Firm, D.C. at your earliest convenience. Call us locally during business hours at 202-682-5800 or at 1-800-THE-FIRM (843-3476) to reach us 24 hours a day. You may also fill out an online contact form.
