Astellas Pharma Inc. and Kotobuki Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. announced that Astellas submitted an application for the additional indication of the selective SGLT2 inhibitor Ipragliflozin L-Proline (generic name, brand name: Suglat Tablets, development code: ASP1941, ‘Ipragliflozin’) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Japan. Ipragliflozin is a selective SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2) inhibitor discovered through a research collaboration and is being jointly developed with Kotobuki. SGLTs are membrane proteins exist on the cell surface and transfer glucose into cells. SGLT2 is one subtype of SGLTs that plays a key role in the reuptake of glucose in the proximal tubule of the kidneys. By selectively inhibiting SGLT2, Ipragliflozin suppresses the reuptake of glucose and reduces blood glucose levels. Ipragliflozin received marketing approval for the indication of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Suglat Tablets in January 2014 and has been on the market since April 2014. Through the application for the indication, Astellas expects to provide a new treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus whose glycemic control is inadequate and enhance its contribution to the treatment of diabetes. The submission of the application for an approval has no impact on Astellas' consolidated financial forecasts for the fiscal year 2017 ending March 31, 2018.