New Type 2 Diabetes Drugs at FDA Stage
June 14, 2006
Merck & Co. and Novartis AG are seeking U.S. government approval of new Type 2 diabetes drugs they claim have milder side effects than current treatments.
As Type 2 diabetes cases increase, the two drugmakers say Food and Drug Administration approval will help sufferers cut blood sugar without increasing their weight or retaining fluid.
Type 2 diabetes occurs in overweight people and has recently begun appearing more in children. It is preventable and treatable.
The Wall Street Journal reports the companies will also cash in on the DPP-IV inhibitors as analysts estimate an annual sale of $1 billion by 2010.