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New Drug Approved for Type 2 Diabetes
The FDA has approved liraglutide (Victoza) to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is not recommended as a first-line treatment.
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and will be available as a once-daily injection.
Results of clinical trials of liraglutide suggested an increased risk for pancreatitis, compared with other diabetes medications. The most frequent side effects included headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Animal studies showed an increased risk for tumors of the thyroid gland, but it is not clear whether the drug also causes thyroid problems in humans.
As part of the drug's approval, the company must conduct additional studies on cardiovascular safety and other adverse effects.
LINK(S):
FDA news release (Free)
FDA Q&A on liraglutide safety (Free)
Journal Watch General Medicine summary of study comparing liraglutide with glimepiride (Your Journal Watch registration required)
Journal Watch General Medicine summary of study comparing liraglutide with exenatide (Your Journal Watch registration required)
Published in Physician's First Watch January 26, 2010
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