The market for new, more effective diabetes therapeutics is huge, as diabetes remains one of the leading health issues and financial burdens in the country. The American Diabetes Association reports that 25.8 million children and adults—roughly 8.3 percent of the population—had diabetes as of 2010, with 79 million people presenting with prediabetes. In addition, diabetes contributed to a total of 231,404 deaths in 2007 as either the underlying cause or a contributing factor. The complications associated with diabetes and obesity include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy and amputation. The total healthcare burden of diabetes in 2012 reached $245 billion, consisting of $176 billion for direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity. According to the World Health Organization, some 347 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide, and it is projected to be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

 

 

SOURCE: Sanford-Burnham press release