Byetta

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly -- maker of Prozac and Cialis -- is expected to post solid fourth-quarter profits on Thursday after a recent restructuring. But the results will likely be lower than the year-ago quarter.

Federal regulators approved Novo Nordisk's new once-daily injection for treating Type 2 diabetes Victoza, driving shares higher. Shares of Amylin Pharmaceuticals also rallied as the approval of Victoza raises hopes that Amylin's rival drug will also get the greenlight.

The U.S. diabetes drug market just got a little more competitive. Swiss drugmaker Roche (RHHBY) said Wednesday an experimental medicine in late-stage development works better in treating type 2 diabetes than Merck (MRK) Januvia, according to a clinical study.