Januvia is not only one of the most popular diabetes medications—it's also one of the top-selling drugs of all time. It generated $3.7 billion in sales in 2017 alone. That same year, nearly 8.5 million prescriptions for the drug were written.
But who makes Januvia, when was it invented and how is it used today? Read on to learn everything you need to know about Januvia medication.
Who makes Januvia?
Januvia is manufactured by Merck & Co., often referred to simply as Merck, is the third-largest pharmaceutical company in the world as of Nov. 18, 2019.
Merck & Co. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical company Merck, which was created in 1668 by the Merck family. In 1891, George Merck emigrated to the United States where he founded Merck & Co. in New York.
In 1917, Merck & Co. became its own independent company. In 1953, it became the largest drug manufacturer in the U.S. after its merger with the Philadelphia-based company Sharp & Dohme, Inc.
Today, the company employs about 69,000 people around the globe and earned more than $42 billion in revenue in 2018. [1]
In addition to Januvia, Merck & Co. manufactures a variety of other popular drugs. These include Zetia, Isentress, and Janumet.
Januvia's Debut
Januvia was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes on Oct. 17, 2006. Just one year later, Januvia had generated $668 million in global sales.
As of Jun. 20, 2013, it had become the second most popular diabetes drug in the world, with its 2012 sales reaching just over $4 billion. [2]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 to 95 percent of Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Knowing this, it's not hard to see why Januvia has skyrocketed in popularity since its release. [3]
Januvia Today
Januvia dominates the market for drugs of its kind (dipeptidyl peptidase 4, or DDP-4, inhibitors), with Merck enjoying the highest market share of any other manufacturer as of 2018.
Although there are not many cheaper alternatives to Januvia, that market share is expected to drop in the coming years because a Januvia generic may possibly be released in 2022.
Until that generic version is released, however, budget-savvy shoppers can save money on Januvia by purchasing their prescriptions from a reputable online Canadian pharmacy.
Buy Januvia online now and have it shipped to your door.
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.
Is there a Cheaper Alternative to Januvia?