The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson has revealed results of a new analysis indicating that Invokana (canagliflozin) significantly decreased the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with type two diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, it was reported on Tuesday.

The results indicated that canagliflozin was associated with a significant reduction in risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure by 22 percent, fatal or hospitalised heart failure by 30 percent; and hospitalisation for heart failure alone by 33 percent. The benefit of reduced risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalised heart failure was 39 percent greater in patients with a prior history of heart failure, compared to the 13 percent without heart failure, at baseline.

Invokana is a prescription medicine utilised along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not for people with type one diabetes or with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in blood or urine). It is not known if the product is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.