Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals report four new deaths in patients taking the diabetes medication Byetta.
An executive from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly says the FDA is aware of the additional deaths but did not announce them
because they involved a milder form the pancreatitis. The condition can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Lilly medical director James Malone says all four patients had complicating medical conditions, ranging from leukemia to
gallstones, which were likely the primary cause of death.
Malone says media coverage of the deaths with Byetta "tended to be a bit sensationalized."
(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.)
An executive from Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly says the FDA is aware of the additional deaths but did not announce them
because they involved a milder form the pancreatitis. The condition can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Lilly medical director James Malone says all four patients had complicating medical conditions, ranging from leukemia to
gallstones, which were likely the primary cause of death.
Malone says media coverage of the deaths with Byetta "tended to be a bit sensationalized."
(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.)
