WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., March 26 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Merck said Monday its drug Januvia to treat type 2 diabetes has been approved for sale in the European Union.
The once-daily treatment is the only drug in its class -- known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors -- to get European approval, Merck said.
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The drug works by enhancing the body's natural process for lowering blood sugar, called the incretin system.
Januvia is indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control in combination with another drug like metformin or a PPAR-gamma agonist when that drug alone -- plus diet and exercise -- are not sufficient.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Januvia for the same indication in October.
