FDA issues hold on much-debated Avandia study

Federal health officials say new patients should not be enrolled in a study of GlaxoSmithKline's controversial diabetes pill Avandia, after experts last week said the drug increases heart risks.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a hold on the study to update researchers on the latest safety information about Avandia, which has been under scrutiny since 2007.

Last week a panel of experts voted that the drug appears to increase heart risks. However, they also voted to leave the drug on the market because the evidence was not definitive.

The FDA is currently reviewing the panel's opinion and deciding what action to take.

The halted study was designed to determine whether Avandia is less safe than competitor Actos.