Canagliflozin is an oral antidiabetic drug belonging to the sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class, used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It lowers blood glucose levels by inhibiting SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, thereby reducing glucose reabsorption and promoting urinary glucose excretion in an insulin-independent manner. The concept behind canagliflozin emerged from late 20th-century research on renal glucose transport, which highlighted the key role of SGLT proteins in glucose homeostasis. Developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, canagliflozin became the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by the U.S. FDA in 2013, marking a major advancement in diabetes therapy. Over time, large clinical trials such as CANVAS and CREDENCE demonstrated additional cardiovascular and renal protective benefits, expanding its therapeutic importance beyond glycemic control. Despite certain safety concerns, ongoing research and clinical experience have established canagliflozin as a valuable option in the modern management of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients with cardiovascular and kidney disease.
