Today Fool.com health-care analysts David Williamson and Max Macaluso look at one of the largest and most profitable segments of the pharmaceutical space: diabetes treatment. 
 
With the market growing rapidly, it's attracted a lot of attention from big pharma companies, and the pressure to improve treatments is heating up. 
 
Merck is attempting to hold on to market share for now, but Amalin's technology has the potential to upset the standing king. Ultimately, David thinks Merck will still be able to retain its throne but recognizes that the stakes are heating up.

While you can certainly make huge gains in biotech and pharmaceuticals, the best investing approach is to choose great companies and stick with them for the long term. In our free report "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich," we name stocks that could help you build long-term wealth and retire well, along with some winning wealth-building strategies that every investor should be aware of. Click here now to keep reading.