In the following video, Motley Fool health-care analyst David Williamson highlights a potential new threat to an entire class of multibillion-dollar drugs. The drug group, which treats type 2 diabetes, could be linked to pancreatitis, a very serious inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to pancreatic cancer. David tells investors how several companies, such as Merck (MRK 0.35%), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY +7.09%) and AstraZeneca (AZN +0.13%) could be affected if the link is confirmed, and how serious the damage could be financially.
The Demise of a Multibillion-Dollar Drug Class?
By Dave Williamson – Mar 18, 2013 at 6:58PM
NYSE: MRK
Merck
Market Cap
$216B
Today's Change
(-0.35%) $0.30
Current Price
$86.28
Price as of October 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM ET
Is this the end for this entire class of drugs?
About the Author
The Motley Fool's Healthcare Analyst, I specialize in Pharma, Biotech, and how the ACA (Obamacare) is changing the business of healthcare in America. Follow me on Twitter for breaking stock news, policy thoughts, and misc musings...
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