Merck says FDA reviewing new Janumet application

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Merck & Co. said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration is now reviewing an extended-release version of its type-2 diabetes drug Janumet.

Merck said the FDA accepted its application for the new version of Janumet. The new version of the drug is a tablet that combines sitagliptin, the primary ingredient in the drug, with the diabetes drug metformin. The tablet is designed to be taken once a day. The immediate-release version of Janumet was approved in March 2007.

Merck said it is also preparing to file for marketing approval in other countries.

Merck has operations in the Philadelphia area. Company shares were down 40 cents, to $36.80, early this afternoon in New York Stock Exchange trading.