Biotech Values

[genisi]

While I was thinking cardiovascular and pancreatitis hurdles, none of these were the issue. Novo says these c-cells changes were seen only in rodents but not in monkeys or humans and that they are class effect of GLP-1s (I agree). Byetta preclinical data showed that rats on extremely high doses developed c-cell growths that weren't cancerous but I guess studies were up to 2 years. GLP-1 receptors appear on c-cells of the thyroid gland and c-cell cancer can take decades to develop. I think that the risk/benefit balance favors GLP-1 anlogs but Novo will have to come up with more data and monitoring plans. Perhaps checking patients for blood calcitonin levels is a good place to start.