Merck, Amilyn Should Profit From Avandia's and Actos' Problems

The headline pokes a cattle prod at Glaxo SmithKline's (GSK) Avandia once again, and also Actos, manufactured by Japanese drug company Takeda.

The bad press surrounding Avandia has been a boon for Merck (MRK) and its new drug Januvia (which I thought was a planet inhabited by the Januvians -- a stout and flatulent orange haired race -- in the 1960's Star Trek series). The bad Actos and Avandia news could also be good for the maker of Byetta - Amilyn (AMLN).

This is serious stuff, of course. As a long time diabetic, I once took both Avandia and Actos and hated both the medications. I wonder if this is why I now take heart pills as well? Hmm, better jump into the class action lawsuit so I can collect my eventual settlement - that will probably amount to no more than $1.65.