Needed: A Rush To Slow DownTheRising Rates In Diabetes (NAPSA)—Scientists at biopharmaceutical research companies are ramping up their efforts to combat diabetes, a disease that is increasing at an alarmingly rapid pace in America. The rate of new cases of diabetes jumped by more than 90 percent among adults over the last 10 years, a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. The same survey found that fatalities associated with the disease increased by 45 percent in two decades. To help treat the disease, America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are working on 183 new medicines. These medicines include 133 for people with type 2 diabetes, and 26 new medicines are in the works for patients who have type 1. The remaining 34 medications would help treat other formsof the disease, such as gestational diabetes, as well as serious conditions spurred by the presenceof diabetes.* “The diabetes medicines now in the research pipeline are contributing substantially to the incredible progress made in the last five years by biopharmaceutical companies in developing new and more effective diabetes treatments,” said Billy Tauzin, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) president and CEO. “The nation must continue its strong commit- ment to the cutting-edge pharma- According to one new report, America’s pharmaceutical re- search and biotechnology companies are testing a record 183 new diabetes medicines. ceutical research that enables today’s diabetes patients to manage their disease and lead productive lives.” All 183 of the medicines are in different stages of the pipeline, either going throughclinical trials or awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Treating diabetes with medicines can help prevent the devastating long-term consequences of the disease and significantly improve a patient’s quality oflife. In addition, lifestyle changes such as weight loss combined with regular exercise can help reduce the risk for developing diabetes. For more information about new medicines now in development to help fight diabetes, visit www.PhRMA.org. *Some medicines are listed in more than onecategory.
