Merck Develops New Diabetes Treatment

Filed in archive Treatment on August 31, 2006

Yet another diabetes drug has been let loose upon the world. Januvia, developed by Merck, is the latest treatment for diabetes. The drug, when combined with metformin, seems to reduce blood sugar.

In the study, 66 percent of diabetics were able to lower their A1C level to the recommended goal of 7 percent with the Januvia-metformin combination. Of the diabetics who took only metformin, 38 percent reached the goal, according to Merck.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected in mid-October to make a decision on whether to approve Januvia.

Another drug, Galvus (developed by Novartis) is already being geared to compete with Januvia.