Quoted from http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090723-715421.html
No Cancer Worry On Sanofi Diabetes Drug - Regulator
JULY 23, 2009, 12:46 P.M. ET
LONDON (Dow Jones)--The European Union drug regulator Thursday ruled out the probability that Sanofi-Aventis SA's (SNY) diabetes treatment causes cancer and said that the drug could be sold and prescribed as usual.
In a ruling expected to boost the French company's shares, the European Medicines Agency said that evidence of a link between the drug and cancer was inconclusive based on the available data.
The treatment, marketed by Sanofi under the brand name Lantus, is an artificial form of insulin, also known as an insulin analogue, and it has been widely used since 2000. Older forms of insulin are known as human insulin.
"Following review of all available information on a possible relationship between insulin analogues ... and the risk of cancer, the available data does not provide a cause for concern and that changes to the prescribing advice are, therefore, not necessary," European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded.
The EMEA would like further research done in the area and has asked Sanofi to help.
Sanofi welcomed the regulator's statement, which it said confirmed the drug's safety.
"This is important and reassuring information for patients receiving Lantus," Jean-Pierre Lehner, Sanofi's chief medical officer, said in an emailed statement.
The company said it would take action to develop further research.
Shares in Sanofi closed up 1.2% at EUR46.34 before the EU ruling.