Diabetes

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An international team led by researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital has identified mutations in a gene that can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, even in people who have such risk factors as obesity and old age, the group announced Sunday. The results focus the search for developing novel therapeutic strategies for Type 2 diabetes — if a drug can be developed that mimics the protective effect of these mutations, it could open up new ways of preventing this devastating disease.

WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its Bydureon pen (exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension) 2-mg, which is to be used as an addition to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

The Bydureon pen is a pre-filled, single-use pen injector, which eliminates the need for the patient to transfer their medication between a vial and syringe during the process of self-injection. The pen contains the same formula and dose as the original Bydureon single-dose tray.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Pharma Supply earlier this week launched NeedleBay, a safe and easy method of organizing and dispensing insulin pen needles and medication.

NeedleBay provides a highly visible, unique and simple “proof of use” reminder, which eliminates the risk of missed, or excess injections and associated medications. NeedleBay has been specially designed in consultation with healthcare professionals and those with diabetes, to enable the user to deploy disposable pen needles safely and to avoid the risk of needle pick injuries.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Myalept (metreleptin for injection) to treat complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital generalized or acquired generalized lipodystrophy, which is a condition associated with a lack of fat tissue.

WASHINGTON — America’s biopharmaceutical research companies currently are developing 180 new medicines to help the nearly 400 million people who have diabetes worldwide, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Tuesday. These medicines in development — all either in clinical trials or under review by the Food and Drug Administration — include 30 for type 1 diabetes, 100 for type 2 and 52 for diabetes-related conditions.

WASHINGTON — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Thursday welcomed Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals to its family of corporate members as a strategic partner. "Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment to educating the Hispanic community on the impact of chronic disease is particularly noteworthy," the group noted. "Their dedication to community health was highlighted during last year's launch of a highly successful initiative, in partnership with Univision, that promoted best practices for preventing and treating diabetes.

DUBLIN — Perrigo Co. announced that it received final approval from the Food and Drug Administration for repaglinide tablets — a generic version of Prandin tablets — in 1-mg and 2-mg strengths. The company has started shipment of the drug. Perrigo previously launched the 0.5-mg strength in 2013.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Thursday announced that its subsidiary has launched repaglinide tablets, a generic version of Novo Nordisk's Prandin. The drug is used to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Repaglinide tablets in 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg had sales in the United States of approximately $212.95 million for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2013, according to IMS Health.