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Diabetes drug linked to deaths
Amylin plans to produce version of drug at its new West Chester Twp. plant.
COMMENT: How do these deaths impact your thoughts on the drug?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
WEST CHESTER TWP. — At least six patient deaths have been linked to Byetta, a version of a diabetes drug Amylin Pharmaceuticals plans to manufacture locally.
Amylin and its partner Eli Lilly & Co. announced four deaths of patients who had taken Byetta. This follows last week's announcement by the Food and Drug Administration that two other deaths were linked to the drug.
Byetta is a twice-daily injection drug meant to help regulate blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes patients. The FDA approved it in 2005.
Amylin plans to manufacture a once-weekly version of the drug — exenatide LAR — at the company's $400 million facility being built in West Chester Twp., said spokeswoman Anne Erickson.
Byetta has been known to cause severe inflammation of the pancreas. In addition to the deaths, FDA officials last week reported four other Byetta patients were also hospitalized. In October 2007, the FDA also investigated 30 cases of pancreatitis in those using the drug.
A spokeswoman with Amylin's public relations firm confirmed the four patients who died had taken Byetta and had at least a mild case of pancreatitis, but said other existing medical conditions may have played a role. Amylin and Lilly officials maintain the drug's benefits outweigh the risks.
Investors began dropping the stock this week, fearing the negative reports will hamper Amylin's ability to get the LAR version approved by the FDA.
The injectable drug brought in $177.5 million for Amylin as of the second quarter this year, and $194.7 million for Lilly.
If approved, analysts estimate the LAR version to be produced in West Chester Twp. would generate an additional $1.8 billion in sales for the Amylin and Lilly by 2012.
Comments
By zani@aol.com
August 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
hahaha to Phil - One that won’t make you feel too bad One that won’t make you feel too good One that won’t hurt my head One that won’t make my mouth too dry Or make my eyes too red One that won’t make me nervous Wondering what to do …
By zani@aol.com
August 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
hahaha to Phil - One that won’t make you feel too bad One that won’t make you feel too good One that won’t hurt my head One that won’t make my mouth too dry Or make my eyes too red One that won’t make me nervous Wondering what to do …
By RPh
August 28, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
As a pharmacist, I agree with Dr. Sargero. There are always risks and benefits to any medications. Byetta has more benefits than risks. You do not always have to take the latest and greatest drug that you see marketed on the TV, on the radio or on the internet. I agree that the media blows stories way out of proportion and does not thoroughly investigate, as such in this case.
By Tonya
August 28, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Dr. Sargero, Byetta is not and never will be a ‘cure’ for type 2 diabetes. Its just another way to manage the disease. Please enlighten us when the last time ANY disease was cured??? The only thing pharmaceutical companies and the medical community is interested in is MANAGING disease. Curing diseases would cut into their profits…and yours. I agree with Lori….drug dealers.
By Lori
August 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Dr. Sargera, just because you have 3000 patients currently on Byetta, does not make it safe. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ drug. All drugs have side affects. I suppose if the drug only kills 2-3 of your patients, its still a good drug, huh? Medical doctors = legalized drug dealers
By Diabetic
August 28, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Dr. Sargero for the love of God, open your mind and listen to your patients. I for one complained to you about Byetta for six months and you would not listen. Something that makes a person as sick as it made me could not be good. I switched doctors and my numbers are good now. Diabetics it is up to you to take charge of your health. If your doctor won’t listen to you, switch doctors until someone does. I don’t mean this as a personal attack, Dr. Sargero seemed to be a good doctor.
By Tim
August 28, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
You all are idiots. The FDA and the drug makers admit Byetta is linked to pancreas issues, it’s on the freakin’ label. The story isn’t saying anything anyone couldn’t figure out by not taking it. What you should be worrying about is whether this issue is going to prevent that nice facility and 500 jobs to still come to the county. No drug= no jobs. It’s fact the drug killed people. It’s fact it causes pancreas problems. Duh.
By E
August 28, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I have Type 2 Diabetes. I personally take Byetta. I have been for almost 2 years. When I first started taking it I was nauseaous all the time but I did lose weight and it helped me maintain my blood sugar levels. I have not taken it regularly for the last 6 months and I can tell you there is a difference. All the reports make me wonder how safe it is? I have enough health issue with having Diabetes, I just don’t want to die from a drug that is suppose to help.
By Phil Man
August 28, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
I want a new drug….one that does what it should…
By Miss Michelle
August 28, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I personally don not have diabetes. But I have checked out the medicine for family members and I agree with Dr. Sargero. The denefits of the drug definately out weigh the risks!! You have to take everything into consideration. Health & environmental effects each perosn was in! Reporting is supposed to be about the facts not the gossip! We can get gossip @ the water cooler @ work! we look to reporters for the FACTS. Thank you!
By Miss Michelle
August 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I personally don not have diabetes. But I have checked out the medicine for family members and I agree with Dr. Sargero. The denefits of the drug definately out weigh the risks!! You have to take everything into consideration. Health & environmental effects each perosn was in! Reporting is supposed to be about the facts not the gossip! We can get gossip @ the water cooler @ work! we look to reporters for the FACTS. Thank you!
By Thomas Sargero MD
August 28, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Irresponsible reporting of the facts and irresponsible interpretation - Byetta does not cause pancreatitis!! Impact of your headlines is far damaging than any other drug complication that would occur. People will be stopping therapy that will have harmful effects. Byetta is a breakthrough hormone therapy that has the potential of curing Type 2 Diabetes. Why not interview a health care proffessional. I specialize in diabetes and have over 3000 patients on this therapy.