On July 11, 2007, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases published a review of 29 studies that found newer diabetes medicines work about the same as older, cheaper drugs.

Merck & Co.’s Januvia, approved in 2006, and Eli Lilly & Company’s Byetta, approved in 2005, were among those studied. The newer drugs are touted as more beneficial because they do not cause low blood sugar and can lead to weight loss.

But the published review found the newer diabetes drugs are no more effective than older medications available for nearly one-third of the cost. The newer drugs also cause new side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and infections.

For a one month’s supply, or 30 pills, of Januvia, consumers pay nearly $5.50 per pill. A one month’s supply of Byetta, given in an injectable cartridge, costs $200. But 60 pills of metformin, a generic drug for type 2 diabetes, costs $33.99, or about $1.76 a pill.

Researchers who found the newer drugs cause headaches, urinary-tract infections, and other side effects are concerned a patient’s immune-system function may be affected. This is significant for diabetes patients because they are more likely to develop a urinary-tract infection and are at an increased risk of complications.

Source: Michelle Fay Cortez, “Merck’s Januvia, Lilly’s Byetta work no better than older drugs,” Bloomberg.com, July 10, 2007.