New data reveals that Januvia was as effective as Glucotrol in reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced today its drug Januvia was as effective as the popular diabetes drug glipizide, also known as Glucotrol, in reducing blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes in which either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

The company said patients taking 100 mg of Januvia or 20 mg of glipizide daily showed a reduction in average blood sugar or 0.67% after a year of treatment. The 793 patients enrolled started the trial with an average blood sugar level of 7.5%.

Patients taking Januvia also lost weight on the drug, the study showed. Merck unveiled the results at the annual scientific meeting of the American Diabetes Association in Washington, D.C. The company has filed a marketing application for Januvia with the Food and Drug Administration, and expects a decision by mid-October.

The Whitehouse Station-based drugmaker’s shares climbed 45 cents to $33.82 in morning trading.