Merck Inc. will not seek approval for Marizev (omarigliptin) in the US or EU for type 2 diabetes management

Merck Inc., had intended its new weekly diabetes treatment, Marizev (omarigliptin), to follow on the success of Januvia (sitagliptin). However Marizev trails behind Januvia in safety aspects according to a report from Advera Health Analytics which compared the drugs' head-to-head trial data and found that Marizev had more serious side effects than Januvia in two studies. Marizev produced higher rates of prostate cancer and cardiovascular and hepatobiliary issues, and problems with the liver, pancreas or digestive system. Additionally, Marizev did not reduce glycosylated hemoglobin, a key indicator of long-term diabetes, as well as did Januvia. The drug was also "less impressive" in improving fasting blood sugar levels, according to the report.

Merck has stated that it did not plan to seek approval for Marizev in the U.S. or Europe, but will continue to sell the drug in Japan. This decision is due to a shifting of Merck diabetes development focus and this new scheme no longer includes Marizev.

Comment:. The advantage of Marizev is that it is a weekly treatment whereas Januvia is taken once a day.