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Merck's Diabetes Drug Januvia Approved

The FDA has approved Januvia, Merck's new drug to treat Type 2 diabetes. The drug is a once-a-day pill that is going to be one contender in the upcoming "battle of the diabetes drugs." Novartis will soon be releasing its own diabetes drug, Galvus.

So far, Januvia appears free of the side effects -- such as serious gastrointestinal problems and weight gain -- that are found in older diabetes therapies. Many fear that could change when millions begin to use the drug.

Because there are so many people with diabetes, the drug companies and investors are anxious to make money off of the situation.

Deutsche Bank research analyst Barbara Ryan, in a recent note, called diabetes "hot, hot, hot" with a market size capable of supporting "multiple new blockbuster opportunities."

Isn't it great to know that your illness is "hot, hot, hot"?

FDA approves Merck's diabetes pill

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