Science Media Centre

A new diabetes drug that could extend the life of people with Type 2 diabetes and reduce complications is due to come before a Pharmac advisory committee next month, according to a report in the New Zealand Herald today. The drug, Januvia, works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas, and reducing [...]

New Zealand biotech, Living Cell Technologies, firm has been given the green light to inject pig cells into humans as part of a trial to tackle diabetes. Health Minister David Cunliffe Mr Cunliffe sayss the trial could make New Zealand a leader in treating diabetes and the use of xenotransplantation. Q&A on xenotransplantation from the [...]

As obesity escalates at an alarming rate worldwide, it is increasingly recognised that a healthy body weight is important for optimal health and wellbeing. Obesity is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality and costs the nation millions each year. In fact, the World Health Organisation has estimated obesity to cost around 2-7% [...]