The new diabetes drug from Merck and Co, Januvia, is to be reviewed by the US regulatory board, the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA will make a decision on the drug used in conjunction with another medication to better manage blood sugar levels amongst diabetic patients.
The FDA is expected to make a decision on the matter by October this year, a month that will mark the anniversary of the approval of Januvia as a stand-alone treatment. The appeal is to use Januvia together with another drug called sulfonylurea.
Januvia is the first in a major class of new diabetes drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors. These drugs effectively enhance the body’s own ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Merck intends to market metformin and januvia in a single pill to be called Janumet.
Merck shares have risen 27 per cent in the last 12 months, with Januvia a major earner for the company .
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