Merck Sharp and Dohme reveals “substantial” diabetes drug

Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), known as Merck and Co in the US, has revealed the details of a new once-daily medicine for type-II diabetes that has a “substantial” effect on lowering blood-sugar levels.

The drug in question, Januvia, is described by MSD as potentially the first in a new class of oral diabetes drugs and it works by enhancing the body’s existing ability to lower blood sugar levels. MSD says Januvia’s action is unique from any of the currently-available glucose-lowering drugs.

In breaking news at the American Diabetes Association’s annual scientific session, the results of a new drug showed that it was not inferior to glipizide (marketed by Pfizer as Glucotro) in reducing A1C blood glucose levels.

In fact, Januvia was found to reduce the weight of patients with type-II diabetes, whereas glipizide patients displayed a weight gain, while Januvia patiens also experienced a six-fold reduction in the number of hypoglycaemic events over 52 weeks in comparison to their glipizide counterparts.

Meter Stein, senior director of clinical research at MSD, remarked: “In the new data presented today, Januvia demonstrated substantial glucose-lowering effects at one year with a magnitude of A1C reduction that was non-inferior to that of glipizide.”

“These are important findings for a potential new treatment for type 2 diabetes,” he added.

The American Diabetes Association’s annual scientific sessions – a chance for pharmaceutical companies to demonstrate the results for their latest diabetes drugs – finished yesterday.

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