Merck Wins FDA Approval For Combo Pill For Type 2 Diabetes

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A 2-in-1 medicine to treat diabetes has won federal approval, Merck & Co. Inc. said Saturday. <br/><br/>The tablet, called Janumet, combines a proprietary Merck drug with the older diabetes

Saturday, March 31st 2007, 4:00 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A 2-in-1 medicine to treat diabetes has won federal approval, Merck & Co. Inc. said Saturday.

The tablet, called Janumet, combines a proprietary Merck drug with the older diabetes drug metformin.

Some patients with type 2 diabetes already take metformin and the newer drug, called Januvia, separately. Merck hopes the combination version will make it easier for those diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Januvia in October. That drug enhances the body's own ability to lower blood sugar levels. Novartis AG continues to seek FDA approval for a competing but similar drug, called Galvus.