Study Links Byetta to Cancer

Researchers at UCLA recently reported in the July issue of Gastroenterology a study that showed the diabetes drug Byetta was associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, among other adverse events.  The study, which performed an analysis of adverse events reported between 2004 - 2009,  indicated that Byetta had a rate of reported pancreatitis that was 6 times greater than other diabetes control therapies.  The study also showed a rate of pancreatic cancer that was more than double that of the other diabetes medicines.  Lilly and Amylin, the makers and marketers of the drug, disputed the findings saying other studies (most of which they sponsored) did not show a significant increase in risk and did not demonstrate a causal relationship.  For those of you that may not be aware, drug manufacturers are constantly sponsoring studies to show that their drugs are safe.  It's no surprise to anyone that they usually get what they pay for:  a clean bill of health.  If you read these studies sponsored by the drug manufacturers you will frequently find that the authors are also paid speakers and consultants for the drug companies.  So, in my opinion, "the fix is in" from the very beginning on most manufacturer sponsored studies.  The study on Byetta being reported by UCLA researchers, on the other hand, shows that the authors of the study have no "conflicts" (they aren't paid consultants of drug companies which might benefit from the study) and the study was paid for by the Larry L. Hillbloom Foundation.   This is a non-profit public benefit corporation who funds a great deal of research by the University of California in the area of diabetes mellitus.