Fed: New treatment for type two diabetes sufferers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2008
Fed: New treatment for type two diabetes sufferers

EDS: Embargoed until 0001 (AEST) Thursday, August 28, 2008



SYDNEY, Aug 28 AAP - Millions of Australians suffering type two diabetes have access
to a new oral medication designed to better manage the nation's fastest growing chronic
disease.

Taken once a day, the medication is used in conjunction with other type two diabetes
treatments to enhance the body's natural ability to lower blood sugar levels without promoting
weight gain, its maker says.

The drug, Januvia, is now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The main goal in treating type two diabetes is to reduce blood glucose levels to as
close to the normal level as possible.

In a clinical trial of type two diabetes patients whose diabetes was inadequately controlled
with an existing medication, more than twice as many patients reached their blood glucose
targets when Januvia was added, researchers found.

More than 8,600 patients participated in the global trial, including 200 from Australia.

"Januvia boosts the effect of a natural body process called the incretin system," director
of the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Sydney's Royal North Shore
Hospital, Greg Fulcher said in a statement.

"Incretins are intestinal hormones which are released after food intake, and they are
essential for regulating blood glucose.

"Research has shown that people with type two diabetes have an impaired incretin system
so their body is unable to lower blood glucose effectively.

"This is the first time we have been able to address an impaired incretin system using
an oral medication," Dr Fulcher said.

"By increasing the number of intact incretins in the body, Januvia helps to control
'on demand' the high blood glucose levels that may contribute to serious long-term health
problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage and amputation."

About 275 Australian adults are diagnosed with type two diabetes every day and some
3.4 million Australians are expected to have been diagnosed with the disease by 2033.

The drug is a Merck & Co product.

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KEYWORD: DIABETES (EMBARGOED)

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