"Hypersensitivity" and GI profile threaten Roche/Ipsen's taspoglutide
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
Despite promising efficacy results for Roche/Ipsen's anti-diabetic once weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist taspoglutide, the drug's future looks uncertain. Detailed results presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) meeting in Orlando, along with an update provided to analysts, suggest that "hypersensitivity" adverse events and an unfavourable gastrointestinal profile could scupper the drug. Roche has already said that development will be delayed by a minimum of 12-18 months, pushing an expected 2011 filing back to only a possibility in 2012 or 2013 (scripnews.com, 18 June 2010).