An expert in endocrinology and former editor of the journal Diabetes has raised questions about the new drug Januvia, and his research is threatening the future of the lucrative drug and others in the same class that treat type-2 diabetes.
“I knew some stuff that I thought was a worry and I was obliged to pursue it,” Dr. Peter C. Butler, chairman of endocrinology at the University of California, Los Angeles, tells the New York Times.
In his research on the drug developed by Merck, Butler found troublesome changes in the pancreases of rats that could develop into cancer. The results of his follow-up work to that study have prompted investigations by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency that could lead to new label warnings or elimination of the drugs from the market, according to the New York Times.
However, other experts dispute Butler’s claims, saying the data are not conclusive and that the risk, if any, would be quite low.
To read the complete New York Times story, go here.