Diabetes drugs under scrutiny for possible risks

(AP) - A look at the diabetes drugs under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over possible risks of pancreas inflammation and cellular changes in the pancreas that occur before cancer.

DRUG CLASS: GLP-1 mimickers, taken by nearly 1 million Americans.

HOW THEY WORK: Injections needed anywhere from twice a day to once a week, they make the body produce more insulin to lower blood sugar.

MAKER: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: exenatide/Byetta and Bydureon

MAKER: Novo Nordisk A/S:

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: liraglutide/Victoza

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DRUG CLASS: DPP-4 inhibitors, taken by about 1.6 million Americans.

HOW THEY WORK: Pills taken once or twice a day, they stimulate insulin production and limit release of a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

MAKER: Merck & Co.

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: sitagliptin/Januvia, Janumet, Janumet XR, Juvisync

MAKER: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. & AstraZeneca PLC

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: saxagliptin/Onglyza and Kombiglyze

MAKER: Eli Lilly and Co. and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: linagliptin/Jentadueto and Tradjenta

MAKER: Takeda Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.

CHEMICAL/BRAND NAMES: alogliptin/Nesina, Kazano and Oseni