Lilly's diabetes drug trumps Sanofi's in late-stage trials

(Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co said its diabetes drug was more effective than Sanofi SA's approved drug, Lantus, in reducing blood sugar levels in late-stage trials. The drug, basal insulin peglispro, showed improved blood sugar levels, compared with Lantus in patients with type 1 diabetes as well as type 2. Lilly said it was on track to file a submission with the U.S. and European regulators by the end of the first quarter 2015. Lilly's drug is being studied as a once-daily treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, the body does not produce insulin. The most common form of the disease, type 2 diabetes, which is linked with obesity, occurs when body is unable to use insulin properly leading to high blood sugar levels. (Reporting by Ankur Banerjee in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel)