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.

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Dave Williamson, Max Macalus, and The Motley Fool have no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.