Diabetes drug in the midst of cancer survey controversy

Sanofi said late on Friday it had just been informed of the latest data and it stood by the safety profile of Lantus, given the extensive evidence from past clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

Tim Anderson, an analyst with Sanford Bernstein, said the new research was not alarmist, but it would still likely have a negative impact on Lantus demand.

Denmark’s Novo Nordisk also has a long-acting insulin analog called Levemir, which is modified in a different way from Lantus. Levemir was launched more recently, however, so was not assessed in the European registry studies.

A price comparison on Lantus shows it is the most expensive in the market at Sh4000 per month with Humilin manufactured by Eli Lilly and Mixtard of Novo Nordisk ranging between Sh 1400-1800.