Robert Steyer
Updated from 9:30 a.m. EDT
Novartis (NVS Quote - Cramer on NVS - Stock Picks) said Tuesday that combining its experimental diabetes drug Galvus with an existing medication produced a significant drop in blood-sugar levels among diabetics. According to new clinical trial data, the combination of Galvus and the standard diabetes treatment, Actos, showed no significant weight gain and less fluid retention vs. Actos alone. The combination therapy also reduced blood-sugar levels better than Actos did by itself. Actos is sold by Eli Lilly (LLY Quote - Cramer on LLY - Stock Picks) and Japan's Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The study was one of several released in recent days by Novartis touting Galvus, which is now under review by the Food and Drug Administration. The agency could act by year-end. The announcement came at the annual scientific session of the American Diabetes Association. Merck (MRK Quote - Cramer on MRK - Stock Picks) also issued several research reports at the convention for a competing drug. Januvia is also being examined by the FDA, and Merck could hear from the agency in the fall. Both companies plan to file applications in the European Union this year. Novartis and Merck are trying to be first company to start marketing a new class of treatments called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, or DPP-4 inhibitors. The companies are seeking approval for these drugs as once-a-day pills for people with Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 95% of the disease. Type 2 patients are unable to produce enough insulin, or their cells are unable to adequately absorb the insulin, to help this natural protein convert sugar into fuel. The drugs try to control blood-sugar levels by affecting two cells in the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. The drugs affect one cell that stimulates insulin production, as well as a cell that signals the liver to reduce sugar production. Actos belongs to a class of drugs nicknamed TZDs, which help muscles accept and use insulin.
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