Pancreatitis in Patients Treated with Exenatide or Sitagliptin

This study reports on the incidence of pancreatitis in diabetes patients treated with an oral hypoglycemic agent regimen that includes exenatide, sitagliptin, or no incretin-based antihyperglycemic therapy.

Researchers analyzed a database of integrated, de-identified pharmacy and medical claims data for 13 million individuals.

Although these data are only descriptive, they suggest that the incidence of pancreatitis in all groups is extremely rare. Furthermore, these data do not suggest that the risk is increased in exenatide or sitagliptin users compared with control subjects.

Vivian Herrera, DDS, Ronald Aubert, PhD, Lorraine Tully, RHIT , Zhuliang Tao, MPH, Glen Stettin, MD, Inderpal Bhandari, PhD, Merri Pendergrass, MD, PhD; Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Franklin Lakes, NJ

Presented on June 6, 2009 at the American Diabetes Association’s 69th Scientific Sessions. More information about this study can be found in the attached clinical summary.