FDA investigating new evidence of pancreas problems with recently approved diabetes drugs

WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration is looking into evidence that a group of new diabetes drugs can increase the risk of pancreatitis and other problems.

The agency says samples of pancreas tissue taken from a small number of patients showed inflammation of the pancreas and cellular changes that often precede cancer. The unpublished results come from a group of academic researchers, and the FDA says it is seeking more information.

The drugs under review include Merck’s Januvia, Novo Nordisk’s Victoza and Amylin’s Byetta, among others. All the drugs mimic a natural hormone that the body produces to break down sugar after a meal.

Regulators say they are still investigating the information and have not reached any conclusions. They recommend patients continue taking their medications until they speak to their doctor.