CJ Healthcare said Thursday that it would start marketing Atomet SR Tab., a combo medication for dyslipidemia and diabetes, next month. Patients who need simultaneous administration of atorvastatin and metformin can take the combo pill once a day.

Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are the top three chronic diseases in Korea. According to Diabetes Fact Sheet 2018 published by Korean Diabetes Association, about 5 million people aged 30 years or older had diabetes in 2016. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2013 to 2016 also showed that one in three people with diabetes have hypercholesterolemia.

In clinical trials, Atomet proved to have equivalent efficacy in lowering LDL-C and blood glucose levels when compared with those who received single doses of atorvastatin and metformin. Also, the medication showed similar bioavailability and safety when compared with other atorvastatin and metformin combo drugs.

“Atomet is a drug that has improved convenience for patients with type 2 diabetes, who are suffering from dyslipidemia and diabetes,” a company official said. “The company plans to promote the trend of prescribing a combo treatment for dyslipidemia and diabetes through various symposiums.”