Merck Sharp and Dohme’s Januvia shows benefits for fasting patients

Merck Sharp and Dohme has published data from a new study of Januvia, showing the benefits offered by the drug among type 2 diabetes patients who choose to fast during Ramadan.

Results from the recent study revealed that Muslim patients in India and Malaysia who were switched from sulfonylurea to Januvia experienced approximately half the risk of symptomatic low blood sugar.

Hypoglycaemia is a well-known risk associated with Ramadan fasting due to the long gaps between meals during the festival.

Dr Barry Goldstein, vice-president of diabetes and endocrinology at Merck Sharp and Dohme, said: "Januvia has an effect only when blood sugar levels are elevated and therefore has a lower risk of hypoglycaemia than some other diabetes treatments when taken alone."

Diabetes patients who choose to fast during Ramadan are advised to speak to a doctor to review their state of health before doing so.

Last month, Merck Sharp and Dohme presented new data from a study of suvorexant, a new treatment it is developing for insomnia.