Merck set to remove cancer-causing chemical from top diabetes drugs

Published On 2023-01-18 07:45 GMT   |   Update On 2023-01-18 10:30 GMT
Advertisement

New Jersey: Merck & Co has discovered how its blockbuster diabetes drugs have become contaminated with a potential carcinogen and believe it can resolve the problem by the end of the year, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.

The company submitted a report to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulators after identifying the root cause for the presence of a nitrosamine called NTTP in certain batches of the drugs, according to the report, which cited a person familiar with the situation.
NTTP belongs to the nitrosamine class of compounds, some of which are classified as probable or possible human carcinogens, based on laboratory tests, according to the FDA.
The impurity arose mostly during storage, as well as during manufacturing, Bloomberg News said.
Merck did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The FDA said in August certain samples of sitagliptin, a compound in Merck's diabetes drugs Januvia and Janumet, were contaminated with a possible carcinogen.
For the nine month ended September, Januvia and Janumet posted sales of $2.25 billion and $1.35 billion, respectively.

Read also: Merck VS Mylan Pharma: US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rules in favor of Merck in Sitagliptin Dihydrogen Phosphate patent lawsuit

Tags:    
Article Source : Reuters

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News