DIABETES DRUG IS LINKED TO HEART RISK
October 28, 2005 06:33

A diabetes medicine poised to win Food and Drug Administration approval sharply increases the risk of heart problems, strokes and death, researchers reported in an analysis that raises pointed questions about the agency's handling of drug safety issues. The drug, Pargluva, the first in what had been considered a promising new class of diabetes drugs, more than doubles the risk for life-threatening cardiovascular complications, the researchers concluded after analyzing the studies the drug's maker, Bristol-Myers Squibb, presented in its application for approval. Based on the findings, the researchers urged the FDA to withhold approval until additional research can be conducted on the safety questions. The Washington Post, 10/21/2005