Januvia gains FDA Approval: Becomes the first once daily BP Med

Welcome to my new blog on Januvia specifically and blood pressure medicines more generally. Merck received U.S. approval to begin selling Januvia this morning Januvia is a new type of diabetes drug that's more versatile than existing blood-sugar control medications. Specifically it is a pill taken once / day vs. injection twice daily. This should prove popular to most users.

Here are some things to keep in mind about Januvia:

• As the first agent in the novel class of DPP-IV inhibitors, Merck's Januvia will lead the way in growing the type 2 diabetes market from $12 billion in 2005 to over $18 billion in 2010. Dr. Wong can provide peak-year sales for Januvia.
  
• Januvia is the first oral drug targeting the incretin pathway. The very first drug targeting this pathway, Amylin/Eli Lilly's Byetta, has had tremendous success in the market despite its twice-daily injectable formulation. Januvia hope to capitalize on the success of Byetta.
  
• Januvia has a decent safety and side effect profile, comparable to the current market leaders Avandia and Actos, and the insulins.
  
• Januvia may have a profound impact on medical practice for type 2 diabetes by delaying the progression of the disease.