Novo Nordisk expects stronger FDA warning for liraglutide

NEW YORK Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk expects the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen warnings for its experimental diabetes medicine liraglutide following two patient deaths from similar drugs, according to Bloomberg.

The FDA demanded stronger warnings on Byetta, a drug developed by Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, after two patients using the drug died from inflamed pancreases.

Liraglutide is a synthetic form of the hormone GLP-1, which causes the pancreas to make insulin.

Byetta, known generically as exenatide, had worldwide sales of $330.7 million in 2007, according to Eli Lilly financial data.