MSD reports ‘late breaking data’ on Januvia

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has announced late breaking data at the annual scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association, with the investigational administration of Januvia (sitagliptin) in conjunction with metformin resulting in “significant” glucose lowering efficacy in type two diabetes patients over 54 weeks.

The company reports that the combination treatment improved the control of blood sugar, with 67 per cent of these patients achieving A1C of less than seven per cent, compared to 44 per cent treated solely with metformin.

Furthermore, another study of Januvia found the disease to improve blood sugar control when added to sulfonylurea or sulfonylurea and metformin as a combination therapy.

John Amatruda, vice-president of clinical research at MSD, noted that often, initial treatment of type two diabetes with a single agent can be ineffective as a means of helping patients achieve their blood sugar goals.

“Many patients may require initial combination therapy, and this study provides important and useful information about the use of sitagliptin and metformin, in addition to diet and exercise, in order to achieve and maintain blood sugar control,” he said.

In February 2007, MSD announced that Januvia had been granted marketing approval from the European Commission as a treatment for type two diabetes in conjunction with metformin in patients for whom diet, exercise and metformin alone has not resulted in adequate blood sugar control.