see DIA response at end....Diabetes drug linked to fractures...

see DIA response at end....

Diabetes drug linked to fractures risk - THE AGE
October 4, 2007 - 4:29PM

Australia's medicines regulator has warned a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures in older women.

A study into thiazolidinediones - a class of drugs that includes Avandia, Avandamet and Actos and is used to increase insulin sensitivity - monitored 4,360 patients for four years on average after their diagnosis.

"Recent evidence suggests thiazolidinediones are associated with an increased risk of peripheral fractures in post-menopausal women," the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned in the latest Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin.

The drugs are not being withdrawn, but their manufacturers have sent letters to doctors describing the increased risk.

"The full clinical significance of these recent findings is yet to be determined," the TGA said.

"However, the risk of fracture should be considered for all patients, especially women, taking or being considered for treatment with thiazolidinediones."



NOW THIS IS FROM THE DIA-B WEBSITE...

Co-inventor Professor Paul Zimmet AO says “The development of ISF-402 is a very exciting opportunity for Australia. The current drug therapies used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes have all been developed overseas. Of these 90% of those used in Australia (sulphonylureas, biguanides) were developed over 40 years ago and have been the mainstay of diabetes treatment. For example, over 50% of type 2 diabetes drug usage in this country is Metformin – and this is the 50th anniversary of its discovery! Its mode of action is still unclear despite many years of research.

The more recently developed drugs [thiazolidinedione (glitazones)] do have improved actions. They are still, however,associated with unwanted side effects such as weight gain, oedema and the potential to cause heart failure. Interestingly the current drug therapies may control blood sugar levels, however serious diabetes complications still occur. Some of these complications include heart disease, kidney failure and vision difficulties. Strokes and limb amputation also occur. These complications can occur at all ages from adolescents to adults. Therefore, the opportunity to develop a new drug in Australia based on a naturally-occurring hormone with the possibility of minimal side effects has huge market need and potential”.