ISMP analysis highlights link between pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis and GLP-1 class of anti diabetic medications
The Institute for Medication Practices (ISMP) has undertaken an analysis that finds reports of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis for GLP-1 anti-mimetic drugs, Byetta (BMS/AstraZeneca), Januvia (Merck Inc.), Victoza (Novo Nordisk) that are 25 times higher compared to older treatments, metformin and the sulfonulyreas.
The changes were lower but greater than the older treatments with Tradjenta (Boehringer/Eli Lilly) and Onglyza (BMS/AstraZeneca). The analysis does not prove a causal link between these drugs and adverse event reports but the data reinforces concern expressed by the FDA and EMA after publication of a study linking the GLP-1 class with these risks. The pharmaceutical companies have questioned the reliability of the data and causality and defended their drugs.
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