New Type 2 Diabetes Tablet Offers Powerful Blood Glucose Control Without
Weight Gain
First Therapy To Combine a DPP-4 Inhibitor With Metformin
KIRKLAND, QC,
"A single tablet that combines two different blood glucose lowering agents will make it easier for our patients to achieve good blood glucose control and will help to delay or prevent the complications of diabetes," says
In
"While the approval of JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) is great news for those who live with type 2 diabetes, medication alone is not enough to optimally manage the disease," says
JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD)(3) was shown to be equivalent to sitagliptin and metformin taken separately. In a separate clinical study, patients treated with sitagliptin plus metformin compared to a sulfonylurea (glipizide, a sulfonylurea not available in
In clinical trials with patients treated with sitagliptin and metformin, all doses of sitagliptin plus metformin were generally well-tolerated. Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, were similar to metformin alone.
"Our goal is to help patients reach glucose targets quickly and keep them there. Good blood glucose control can reduce the risk of the devastating complications including blindness, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart attack, yet recent surveys have suggested that half of Canadians with diabetes have glucose levels above the recommended targets. New treatment options, which help improve blood glucose levels without the risk of weight gain and too low blood sugar associated with some of our older medications, are most welcome," says
JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) is indicated as an adjunct to healthy eating habits and physical activity to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin or in patients already being treated with the combination of sitagliptin and metformin. JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) is currently available in
With JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD), Merck continues to build a portfolio of oral anti-diabetic agents that provide physicians with new treatment options for a broad range of patients.
About JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD)
JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) includes two effective treatments with complementary modes of action, that of the incretin-enhancing power of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and the proven glucose-lowering benefits of metformin. DPP-4 inhibitors work by enhancing the body's own ability to lower blood sugar (glucose). This unique new therapy addresses 3 core defects of type 2 diabetes.
About Merck Frosst
At Merck Frosst, patients come first. Merck Frosst
Forward-looking statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding product development, product potential or financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. MSD undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect MSD's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements in Item 1 of MSD's Form 10-K for the year ended
Video B-roll will be available via satellite Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at: 11:00 - 11:30 and again at 14:00 - 14:30 Eastern SATELLITE FEED COORDINATES: Anik F2, C-Band, Transponder 3B @111.1 West Vertical Polarization, D/L Freq. 3820MHz. Audio subcarriers 6.8 left, 6.2 right For assistance with the feed call: 1-800-565-1471 ---------------------- (1) The Prevalence and Cost of Diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association. Accessed September 21, 2009, http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/prevalence/ (2) The Prevalence and Cost of Diabetes. The Canadian Diabetes Association. Accessed September 21, 2009, http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/prevalence/ (3) All clinical data referenced in this press release for JANUMET were from studies including sitagliptin plus metformin as separate tablets. A bioequivalence study has demonstrated the equivalence of sitagliptin plus metformin as separate tablets and JANUMET.
For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Andrea Herman, Cohn & Wolfe, (416) 924-5700 ext. 4020, [email protected]; Natacha Raphael, Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., (514) 428-3280, [email protected]
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