FDA approves Merck diabetes drug

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Merck for Type 2 diabetes, the drug maker said Thursday.



Merck announced the approval of Janumet XR (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets as a once-daily treatment for the disease.



"Janumet XR is a new treatment that adds once-daily convenience to the powerful efficacy of Janumet for patients with Type 2 diabetes," Merck VP diabetes and endocrinology Barry Goldstein said. "This is important because many patients with Type 2 diabetes require treatment with multiple drugs to maintain blood-sugar control, and Janumet XR is a new option to help more patients get to their glucose goals."

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