Report: Doctors to examine possible link between diabetes, cancer

NEW YORK Possible links between a popular brand of insulin and cancer have prompted doctors to investigate, according to published reports.

In July, the journal Diabetologia published data indicating a possible cancer risk in patients taking Sanofi-Aventis’ insulin analog Lantus (insuline glargine [rDNA origin]). Sanofi issued a statement at the time by 14 international experts who doubted the studies, saying they contained “significant methodological limitations and shortcomings.” The Food and Drug Administration likewise questioned the studies.

But Bloomberg reported Wednesday that doctors meeting at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ annual meeting in Vienna, Austria, would discuss whether possible risks of long-acting insulin should be weighed more closely.