Sanofi-Aventis to finally probe link between cancer and insulin use

Sanofi-Aventis (SNY), the maker of diabetes drug Lantus, said Tuesday it will launch a massive research program to probe a possible link between cancer and insulin. Such a link has been the subject of extensive debate in the scientific and medical communities.

The most recent uproar was in June when European studies published in Diabetologica suggested just that -- an association between cancer and Sanofi-Aventis' diabetes treatment Lantus. But the results were inconclusive and Sanofi said it "stands behind the safety of Lantus."