Product name: pioglitazone
CAS: 105355-27-9
Molecular formula: C19H20N2O3S
Molecular weight: 356.44
Description: Pioglitazone is a prescription drug of the class thiazolidinedione (TZD) with hypoglycemic (antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic) action to treat diabetes. Actos was the tenth-best selling drug in the U.S. in 2008, with sales exceeding $2.4 billion. While pioglitazone does decrease blood sugar levels, studies on the main cardiovascular outcomes has not yielded statistically significant results. Its cardiovascular safety profile compares favorably with rosiglitazone (Avandia), which was withdrawn after concerns about an increased risk of cardiac events. Pioglitazone has been found to be associated with bladder tumors and has been withdrawn in some countries.