Lilly diabetes drug curbs weight gain

Eli Lilly &Co. in conjunction with Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. revealed this week that a new clinical study proves their new diabetes drug is just as effective as insulin, but doesn’t lead to weight gain. Weight gain and obesity are two of the foremost concerns for diabetics .
The study tested the drug, called exenatide, amongst type 2 diabetes patients. 18 per cent of those surveyed reached IDF (International Diabetes Federation) recommended levels. This compares to just 9 per cent taking the Novo Nordisk drug NovoMix.
The patients who took exenatide also lost an average of 5.5 pounds after just a year of treatment. Those within the insulin group gained an average of 6.4 pounds.
Exenatide has passed a critical stage in its acceptance. It was granted FDA approval last April. Last year, Eli Lilly submitted a marketing application to European regulators. Exenatide is known as an incretin mimetic –a new type of compound that mimics the glucose lowering hormones naturally produced by the body.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms are racing to gain and maintain shares in the emerging global diabetes market. When a blockbuster drug can make multi-millions for a company, it is no surprise. Hopefully, this diverse competition will lead to better diabetes treatment in the near future.