The drug as approved can be used as a stand alone or in combination with other drugs to help patients control blood sugar and works by releasing hormones and by blocking the DPP-4 enzyme. 
Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company worldwide diabetes joined forces in January 2011to work together on the drug. I always talk about collaboration and here’s one good example that the Health IT folks can perhaps appreciate. Any more so much of the research and development is done via the computer before a lab is created at the final stages before a trial begins. BD
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved a new diabetes pill from Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly for patients who can’t control their blood sugar with older medicines.
FDA OKs new diabetes pill – Health – Diabetes – msnbc.com
