Targeted failure of the week. Post No 85.Saxagliptin

LONDON, June 19 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb's diabetes drug Onglyza failed to reduce heart risks in a large clinical study, disappointing investors who had thought it might demonstrate an edge over rivals.

The companies, which jointly sell several diabetes drugs, said on Wednesday the SAVOR trial showed that patients on Onglyza had no fewer adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, than those on placebo.

Doctors and investors had been awaiting results of the SAVOR trial with keen interest, since a positive result could have encouraged increased use of the drug and others from its class, which also includes Merck & Co's Januvia, the market leader.

Saxagliptin, previously identified as BMS-477118, is a new oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic drug) of the new dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of drugs.