Januvia is the proposed name for our investigational medicine for type 2 diabetes, a serious and debilitating disease that becomes progressively more common with age and obesity. This disease affects at least 175 million people worldwide.
If approved, Januvia would be the first in a new class of oral medications that enhance the body's own ability to lower blood sugar when it is elevated. Januvia was not associated in Merck's clinical studies with the common side effects, like weight gain and increased incidence of hypoglycemia (excessively low blood sugar), which can occur with some current treatments.
In February 2006, Januvia was accepted for standard review by the FDA. Merck expects FDA action on our New Drug Application by mid-October. If approved, it has the potential to offer patients exactly what people have always expected from Merck — breakthrough medicines that make a real difference.
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people around the world. Now, with Januvia, there may soon be a new way to treat this disease.
