FDA puts its stamp of approval on Merck's new diabetes drug ; Januvia doesn't cause sugar drops FINAL Edition

  It works by enhancing a natural body process that keeps levels of glucose, or blood sugar, in a safe zone. When sugar levels rise, as they do after eating, hormones are released that stimulate the production of insulin, which brings the sugar levels down. But these hormones are quickly inactivated...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inUSA today (Arlington, Va.)
Main Author Anita Manning and Kevin McCoy
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published McLean, Va USA Today, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc 18.10.2006
Subjects
Diabetes
FDA approval
Prescription drugs
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Summary:  It works by enhancing a natural body process that keeps levels of glucose, or blood sugar, in a safe zone. When sugar levels rise, as they do after eating, hormones are released that stimulate the production of insulin, which brings the sugar levels down. But these hormones are quickly inactivated by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase 4, or DPP-4. Januvia blocks the action of DPP-4. Januvia was tested in 2,719 patients with type 2 diabetes in studies that lasted from 12 weeks to more than a year, the FDA says. It was found to be effective when taken alone or with the anti- diabetes drugs metformin and pioglitizone. Side effects included respiratory infection, sore throat and diarrhea, but it does not cause weight gain, unlike some other anti-diabetes drugs, the FDA says.
ISSN:0734-7456