In the same post-hoc pooled analysis of data from two clinical trials evaluating the addition of sitagliptin to metformin therapy, HbA1c over time was examined in 852 patients with a baseline HbA1c of 7.0 to 10.0 percent who were taking metformin only>

Among those already on metformin, 283 out of 852 patients (33 percent) who added sitagliptin to metformin received glycaemic rescue medication or discontinued treatment due to lack of efficacy (i.e. patients not meeting the progressively stricter, protocol-specified glycaemic criteria and/or not meeting the investigator ™s expectations of glycaemic improvement) over the two years.

Other Sitagliptin Data Presented at EASD

During this year's meeting, data will be presented on the safety and efficacy of sitagliptin in combination with other diabetes treatments. Results from an investigational study (presentation 747) will review the effect of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and pioglitazone on blood sugar control. Initial therapy with a combination of pioglitazone and sitagliptin is not currently licensed in Europe.

Another study (presentation 751) will review the effect of initial treatment with the fixed dose combination of sitagliptin and metformin on blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes, compared with metformin alone. Initial therapy with the fixed-dose combination drug is not currently licensed in Europe.

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