FDA panel votes to keep Avandia on the market

The company’s shares increased 5.2% in extended-hours trading as a result.

Despite data indicating that the drug may increase the risk of heart attacks in some patients, the panel members voted 22-1 in favor to keep Avandia on sale. Most of the panel, however, did back having stronger warnings on the label.

Avandia, GSK’s second-best-selling drug which is used by millions of diabetics worldwide, was hit by a study from a Cleveland clinic in May which found a 43% higher risk of having a heart attack in patients taking the drug.

The FDA usually goes along with the opinion of advisory panels, but gave no indication of when it will make its final decision.