CVOT Summit Report 2023: new cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic outcomes.

The 9th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial (CVOT) Summit: Congress on Cardiovascular, Kidney, and Metabolic Outcomes was held virtually on November 30-December 1, 2023. This reference congress served as a platform for in-depth discussions and exchange on recently completed outcomes trials including dapagliflozin (DAPA-MI), semaglutide (SELECT and STEP-HFpEF) and bempedoic acid (CLEAR Outcomes), and the advances they represent in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), improving metabolic outcomes, and treating obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A broad audience of endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists, nephrologists and primary care physicians participated in online discussions on guideline updates for the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes, heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD); advances in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its comorbidities; advances in the management of CKD with SGLT2 inhibitors and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs); and advances in the treatment of obesity with GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. The association of diabetes and obesity with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, MASH) and cancer and possible treatments for these complications were also explored. It is generally assumed that treatment of chronic diseases is equally effective for all patients. However, as discussed at the Summit, this assumption may not be true. Therefore, it is important to enroll patients from diverse racial and ethnic groups in clinical trials and to analyze patient-reported outcomes to assess treatment efficacy, and to develop innovative approaches to tailor medications to those who benefit most with minimal side effects. Other keys to a successful management of diabetes and comorbidities, including dementia, entail the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology and the implementation of appropriate patient-physician communication strategies. The 10th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial Summit will be held virtually on December 5-6, 2024 ( http://www.cvot.org ).

Tirzepatide in Hispanic/Latino Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Subgroup Analysis of the SURPASS Program.

CONTEXT: Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide, a once-weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, have been studied in patients with type 2 diabetes in the global phase 3 SURPASS program. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino patients in SURPASS-1 to -4 clinical trials. METHODS: A total of 5679 patients were included, 2895 of self-reported Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, in this exploratory analysis of SURPASS-1 to -4 trial data. Interventions included tirzepatide 5, 10, or 15 mg, placebo, or active comparator (semaglutide 1 mg, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine). Change in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body weight from baseline to week 40 (SURPASS-1 and -2) and to week 52 (SURPASS-3 and -4), and other efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated within Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino subgroups. RESULTS: Among Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino patients treated with tirzepatide, respectively, HbA1c decreased significantly from baseline, ranging from 1.9% to 2.7% and 1.7% to 2.5%, and body weight decreased significantly from baseline, ranging from 5.3 kg to 12.4 and 6.5 kg to 17.1 kg (both P < .05) vs comparators across all trials. Subgroup trends were consistent with the overall trial populations. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in similar proportions across the subgroups and were primarily gastrointestinal disorders. The incidence of hypoglycemia was low. CONCLUSION: Tirzepatide significatively reduced HbA1c and body weight in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino patients. Tirzepatide was generally well tolerated in both subgroups. Efficacy and safety trends were comparable between subgroups and within the overall trial populations.

Fixed-ratio Combinations (basal Insulin Plus GLP-1RA) In Type 2 Diabetes. an Analytical Review Of Pivotal Clinical Trials.

In type 2 diabetes, therapeutic failure to the oral anti diabetics is frequent, the use of schemes with basal insulin or with multiple doses of insulin (basal insulin and short-acting insulins) are a widely accepted way to intensify therapy. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is another intensification strategy. The fixedratio combinations with molecules such as insulin degludec + liraglutide, and insulin glargine + lixisenatide have proven useful in intensifying treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review was to evaluate and analyze the results of pivotal studies with both fixed-ratio combinations in individuals with type 2 diabetes, finding that, they are capable of achieving better glycemic control when compared with each of its components separately (with a lower risk of hypoglycemia vs basal insulin and lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects vs GLP-1 receptor agonists) in various clinical scenarios, especially in individuals who do not achieve control with oral antidiabetics or who do not achieve control with basal insulin (associated with oral antidiabetics) or in those under management with GLP-1RA plus oral antidiabetics.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly efpeglenatide in people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes: The AMPLITUDE-D, AMPLITUDE-L and AMPLITUDE-S randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly (QW) efpeglenatide in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) suboptimally controlled with oral glucose-lowering drugs and/or basal insulin (BI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three phase 3, multicentre, randomized controlled trials compared the efficacy and safety of QW efpeglenatide versus dulaglutide when added to metformin (AMPLITUDE-D), efpeglenatide versus placebo when added to BI ± oral glucose-lowering drugs (AMPLITUDE-L) or metformin ± sulphonylurea (AMPLITUDE-S). All trials were terminated early by the sponsor because of funding rather than safety or efficacy concerns. RESULTS: In AMPLITUDE-D, non-inferiority of efpeglenatide to dulaglutide 1.5 mg was shown in HbA1c reduction from baseline to week 56, least squares mean treatment difference (95% CI): 4 mg, -0.03% (-0.20%, 0.14%)/-0.35 mmol/mol (-2.20, 1.49); 6 mg, -0.08% (-0.25%, 0.09%)/-0.90 mmol/mol (-2.76, 0.96). The reductions in body weight (approximately 3 kg) from baseline to week 56 were similar across all treatment groups. In AMPLITUDE-L and AMPLITUDE-S, numerically greater reduction in HbA1c and body weight were observed at all doses of efpeglenatide than placebo. American Diabetes Association level 2 hypoglycaemia (< 54 mg/dL [< 3.0 mmol/L]) was reported in few participants across all treatment groups (AMPLITUDE-D, ≤ 1%; AMPLITUDE-L, ≤ 10%; and AMPLITUDE-S, ≤ 4%). The adverse events profile was consistent with other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs); gastrointestinal adverse events were most frequent in all three studies. CONCLUSIONS: In people with T2D suboptimally controlled with oral glucose-lowering drugs and/or BI, QW efpeglenatide was non-inferior to dulaglutide in terms of HbA1c reduction and showed numerically greater improvements than placebo in glycaemic control and body weight, with safety consistent with the GLP-1 RA class.

An update on tirzepatide for the management of type 2 diabetes: a focus on the phase 3 clinical development program.

INTRODUCTION: Tirzepatide, a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA), received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (13 May 2022) and marketing authorization from the European Commission (25 September 2022) for the improvement of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the phase 3 clinical development program (SURPASS), tirzepatide demonstrated superior glycemic and body weight control compared with placebo and active comparators across a spectrum of patients with T2D. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes efficacy and safety results of the tirzepatide T2D phase 3 clinical trials that supported regulatory approvals. Additionally, it discusses a meta-analysis assessing tirzepatide cardiovascular (CV) safety, and provides a brief overview of ongoing late-stage clinical trials in patients with T2D. Information in this review was acquired from peer-reviewed published trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the manufacturer's website. EXPERT OPINION: Based on phase 3 clinical trial data, tirzepatide is the most potent glucose and body weight lowering agent available for the management of T2D. The potential for tirzepatide to improve CV outcomes is currently being assessed in a CV outcomes trial (SURPASS CVOT). Results of this trial are highly anticipated and expected in 2024.

Obesity among Latinx people in the United States: A review.

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that is associated with a range of adiposity-based comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the United States, obesity is a public health crisis, affecting more than 40% of the population. Obesity disproportionately affects Latinx people, who have a higher prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) compared with the general population. Many factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, traditional calorie-dense Latinx diets, family dynamics, and differences in socioeconomic status, contribute to the increased prevalence and complexity of treating obesity in the Latinx population. Additionally, significant heterogeneity within the Latinx population and disparities in health care access and utilization between Latinx people and the general population add to the challenge of obesity management. Culturally tailored interventions have been successful for managing obesity and related comorbidities in Latinx people. Antiobesity medications and bariatric surgery are also important options for obesity treatment in Latinx people. As highlighted in this review, when managing obesity in the Latinx population, it is critical to consider the impact of genetic, dietary, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, in order to implement an individualized treatment strategy.

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of pegozafermin in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a multiple-ascending-dose study.

BACKGROUND: Management strategies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are based predominantly on lifestyle modification, with no approved disease-modifying drugs yet available. We aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of pegozafermin (BIO89-100), a glycoPEGylated FGF21 analogue, in participants with NASH. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a multiple-ascending-dose study enrolled adults (aged 21-75 years) who had NASH with stage F1-F3 fibrosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a high risk of NASH (referred to in this study as phenotypic NASH) due to central obesity with type 2 diabetes, or central obesity with increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or a Fibroscan score of 7 kPa or greater, across 12 specialist centres and clinics in the USA. Patients were centrally randomised by use of an interactive web response system to receive subcutaneously administered pegozafermin (3, 9, 18, or 27 mg once weekly; 18 or 36 mg once every 2 weeks) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of pegozafermin. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04048135). FINDINGS: Between July 29, 2019, and Aug 3, 2020, 275 participants were screened and 81 (15 [19%] with biopsy-confirmed NASH) were randomly assigned: 62 to pegozafermin (six to 3 mg once weekly, 12 to 9 mg once weekly, 11 to 18 mg once weekly, ten to 27 mg once weekly, 14 to 18 mg once every 2 weeks, and nine to 36 mg once every 2 weeks) and 19 to placebo; 63 received pegozafermin and 18 received placebo, as one participant in the placebo group inadvertently received 3 mg pegozafermin once weekly. Adverse events were reported in eight (44%) of 18 participants in the pooled placebo group, six (86%) of seven in the 3 mg once weekly pegozafermin group, four (33%) of 12 in the 9 mg once weekly group, seven (64%) of 11 in the 18 mg once weekly group, seven (70%) of ten in the 27 mg once weekly group, eight (57%) of 14 in the 18 mg once every 2 weeks group, and eight (89%) of nine in the 36 mg once every 2 weeks group. The most common treatment-related adverse event was mild increased appetite (in ten [16%] of 63 participants in the pooled pegozafermin group vs none of 18 in the pooled placebo group), which was not associated with bodyweight gain. Two patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event (one each in the 27 mg once weekly and 18 mg once every 2 weeks groups). No treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths occurred. Dose-proportional pharmacokinetics were observed. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in 41 (65%) of 63 participants treated with pegozafermin. By week 13, pegozafermin significantly reduced the least squares mean (LSM) absolute differences in hepatic fat fraction versus pooled placebo (-8·9% [95% CI -14·8 to -3·1; p=0·0032] for 3 mg once weekly, -11·5% [-16·1 to -6·9; p<0·0001] for 9 mg once weekly, -8·9% [-13·7 to -4·2; p=0·0004] for 18 mg once weekly, -14·9% [-20·1 to -9·7; p<0·0001] for 27 mg once weekly, -10·4% [-14·7 to -6·1; p<0·0001] for 18 mg once every 2 weeks, and -11·1% [-16·2 to -6·0; p<0·0001] for 36 mg once every 2 weeks). At week 13, significant LSM relative reductions versus pooled placebo in ALT were observed for pegozafermin 9 mg once weekly, 18 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 36 mg once every 2 weeks. At week 13, significant LSM relative reductions versus pooled placebo in aspartate aminotransferase were observed for pegozafermin 3 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 36 mg once every 2 weeks. Significant improvements were also observed with pegozafermin treatment for triglycerides (9 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 18 mg once every 2 weeks), LDL-C (9 mg once weekly and 27 mg once weekly), HDL-C (3 mg once weekly and 18 mg once every 2 weeks), non-HDL-C (9 mg once weekly and 27 mg once weekly), adiponectin (all doses except for 36 mg once every 2 weeks), PRO-C3 (27 mg once weekly), and bodyweight (27 mg once weekly). Changes in insulin resistance and HbA1c were not significant. INTERPRETATION: Pegozafermin was generally well tolerated and associated with clinically meaningful reductions in liver fat, measures of liver function, and circulating lipids. Further evaluation of pegozafermin in individuals with NASH is warranted. FUNDING: 89bio.

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Efpeglenatide Monotherapy Versus Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes: The AMPLITUDE-M Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) efpeglenatide versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet and exercise alone. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: AMPLITUDE-M was a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial that randomized adults with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled with diet and exercise alone to once-weekly efpeglenatide (2, 4, or 6 mg) or placebo for up to 56 weeks. The primary objective was to demonstrate the superiority of efpeglenatide versus placebo for HbA1c reduction at week 30. Secondary objectives included changes in other measures of glycemic control and body weight at weeks 30 and 56. RESULTS: At week 30, HbA1c was reduced from a baseline of 8.1% (65 mmol/mol) to 6.9% (52 mmol/mol), 6.6% (49 mmol/mol), and 6.4% (47 mmol/mol) with efpeglenatide 2, 4, and 6 mg, respectively. Least squares mean HbA1c reductions from baseline were statistically superior for each efpeglenatide dose versus placebo (2 mg, -0.5% [95% CI -0.9, -0.2; P = 0.0054]; 4 mg, -0.8% [-1.2, -0.5; P < 0.0001]; 6 mg, -1.0% [-1.4, -0.7; P < 0.0001]). A greater proportion of efpeglenatide-treated patients (all doses) achieved HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) versus placebo by week 30 (P < 0.0001 for all), and significant reductions in body weight and fasting plasma glucose were also observed for efpeglenatide (4 and 6 mg doses) versus placebo at week 30 (P < 0.05 for all). Consistent with the GLP-1 RA class, gastrointestinal adverse events were most commonly reported; these were generally transient and mild/moderate in severity. Few patients reported hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: As monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes, once-weekly efpeglenatide significantly improved glycemic control and body weight with a safety and tolerability profile similar to that of other GLP-1 RAs.

Efficacy and safety of adding sotagliflozin, a dual sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT)1 and SGLT2 inhibitor, to optimized insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes and baseline body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2.

Sotagliflozin, a dual sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT)1/SGLT2 inhibitor, is currently approved in Europe as an adjunct to optimal insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 . In this post hoc analysis, efficacy at 24 weeks and safety at 52 weeks from pooled phase 3 clinical trials were evaluated in patients with baseline BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 . Sotagliflozin 200 mg and 400 mg added to insulin reduced glycated haemoglobin level and increased time in range assessed by continuous glucose monitoring versus placebo and also reduced body weight and systolic blood pressure. Differences in efficacy endpoints between sotagliflozin and placebo tended to be greater among patients with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 compared to those with baseline BMI < 27 kg/m2 . Consistent with published results for the entire population, fewer severe hypoglycaemia and documented hypoglycaemia ≤3.1 mmol/L events and a higher incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis occurred with sotagliflozin versus placebo in patients with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 . Sotagliflozin as an adjunct to optimized insulin therapy in overweight/obese patients with T1D addressed some unmet needs and may help achieve optimal glycaemic control, mitigating weight gain without increasing hypoglycaemia risk in this high-risk population.

Impact of disease duration and ß-cell reserve on the efficacy of switching to iGlarLixi in adults with type 2 diabetes on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy: Exploratory analyses from the LixiLan-G trial.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of iGlarLixi by C-peptide levels and duration of diabetes in an exploratory analysis of the LixiLan-G study. METHODS: LixiLan-G was a 26-week, randomized, open-label study in adults with type diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled while on a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), with metformin, with or without pioglitazone and/or a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor. This analysis investigated the efficacy of switching to iGlarLixi by fasting baseline quartile C-peptide levels and baseline quartile of duration of T2D compared with continued GLP-1 RA use. RESULTS: Change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 26 was significantly greater with iGlarLixi compared with continued GLP-1 RAs across all fasting C-peptide quartiles (-1.00% to -1.06% vs. -0.23% to -0.54% range, respectively) and irrespective of all T2D duration quartiles (-0.94% to -1.07% vs. -0.25% to -0.50% range). A significantly greater proportion of participants in the iGlarLixi arm achieved an HbA1c of <7% across all C-peptide quartiles (51%-73% range) than in the GLP-1 RA arm (19%-32% range). The greatest reductions in HbA1c in participants receiving iGlarLixi were observed in those with the shortest duration of disease, although consistently greater than reductions observed with continued GLP-1 RAs. Reductions in HbA1c were comparable across C-peptide quartiles within the iGlarLixi arm. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that iGlarLixi is an effective treatment option, irrespective of C-peptide levels or duration of diabetes, in adults with insufficiently controlled T2D receiving GLP-1 RAs.

Efficacy and tolerability of tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes: A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate different dose-escalation regimens.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of tirzepatide treatment using three different dose-escalation regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive either once-weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide or placebo. The tirzepatide dose groups and dose-escalation regimens were: 12 mg (4 mg weeks 0-3; 8 mg weeks 4-7; 12 mg weeks 8-11), 15 mg-1 (2.5 mg weeks 0-1; 5 mg weeks 2-3; 10 mg weeks 4-7; 15 mg weeks 8-11) and 15 mg-2 (2.5 mg weeks 0-3; 7.5 mg weeks 4-7; 15 mg weeks 8-11). The primary objective was to compare tirzepatide with placebo in HbA1c change from baseline at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, 111 patients were randomized: placebo, 26; tirzepatide 12 mg, 29; tirzepatide 15 mg-1, 28; tirzepatide 15 mg-2, 28. The mean age was 57.4 years, HbA1c 8.4% and body mass index 31.9 kg/m2 . At week 12, absolute HbA1c change from baseline (SE) was greater in the tirzepatide treatment groups compared with placebo (placebo, +0.2% [0.21]; 12 mg, -1.7% [0.19]; 15 mg-1, -2.0% [0.20]; 15 mg-2, -1.8% [0.19]). The incidence of nausea was: placebo, 7.7%; 12 mg group, 24.1%; 15 mg-1 group, 39.3%; 15 mg-2 group, 35.7%. Three patients discontinued the treatment because of adverse events, one from each of the placebo, 12 mg and 15 mg-1 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tirzepatide treatment for 12 weeks resulted in clinically significant reductions in HbA1c. This suggests that lower starting doses and smaller dose increments are associated with a more favourable side effect profile.

The SYDNEY Device Study: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label Usability Study of a 2-mL Alirocumab Autoinjector Device.

PURPOSE: The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab has produced significant reductions in LDL-C at a dose of 300 mg q4w administered as 2 separate 150-mg injections via a 1-mL autoinjector (AI). A recently developed 2-mL device (SYDNEY) permits the administration of a single 300mg dose of alirocumab. METHODS: We assessed the usability and product technical complaints (PTCs) reported by patients using the 2-mL SYDNEY device in unsupervised settings, adverse events, and effects on LDL-C, in a multicenter, randomized, open-label, 16-week study conducted in the United States. For their first dose, 69 patients with hypercholesterolemia despite receiving statin with or without other lipid-lowering therapy randomly received supervised, self-administered alirocumab 300 mg via 1 × 300 mg injection with the SYDNEY device (n = 35) or 2 × 150-mg injections with the currently approved AI (n = 34). All continuing patients subsequently received unsupervised, self-administered alirocumab 300 mg q4w using the SYDNEY device at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary end point was the proportion of SYDNEY device-associated PTCs related to the use of the unsupervised injections. FINDINGS: Baseline characteristics between the study arms varied only in a higher percentage of males being randomized to the study arm using the SYDNEY device (74.3%) compared with the AI arm (44.1%). A single PTC was reported during the unsupervised injections (0.5%; 1 of 196 injections; 95% CI, 0.0%-3.2%). This event was classified as patient related as opposed to device related. No PTCs occurred during supervised injections. Mean LDL-C reductions from baseline at week 4 were 66.2% with SYDNEY and 51.2% with the AI; after adjustment for sex differences between groups, mean LDL-C reductions were 63.5% and 53.9%, respectively. LDL-C reductions persisted for 16 weeks. The most common adverse event was upper respiratory tract infection (3 with SYDNEY and 0 with the AI during weeks 0-4). IMPLICATIONS: The SYDNEY device allowed for a single 2-mL injection of alirocumab 300 mg, providing substantial LDL-C reductions with no new product technical issues or no new safety concerns compared with the currently marketed 1-mL AI device. In conclusion, the 2-mL SYDNEY device provides patients with the possibility of injecting the 300-mg alirocumab dose as a single injection. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03415178.

Clinical Characteristics and Glycemic Outcomes of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Requiring Maximum Dose Insulin Glargine/Lixisenatide Fixed-Ratio Combination or Insulin Glargine in the LixiLan-L Trial.

INTRODUCTION: iGlarLixi is a titratable, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine (iGlar, 100 units/ml) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. This post hoc analysis of the phase 3 LixiLan-L trial (NCT02058160) investigated baseline characteristics, glycemic control, and safety outcomes in participants who received the study-specified maximum dose (60 units/day) of iGlarLixi or iGlar vs. those who received < 60 units/day. METHODS: Outcomes were compared for participants receiving 60 or < 60 units/day at week 30. Endpoints analyzed included change in A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (2-h PPG), body weight, proportion of participants achieving A1C < 7.0%, proportion of participants receiving rescue therapy, documented symptomatic hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal adverse event (GI AE) incidence. RESULTS: By week 30, 27% (iGlarLixi) and 31% (iGlar) of participants received the maximum dose. Participants on 60 vs. < 60 units/day were younger and had higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), FPG, and baseline insulin dose. In both dose groups, A1C change from baseline was significantly greater with iGlarLixi vs. iGlar, and more participants treated with iGlarLixi vs. iGlar achieved A1C < 7.0%. No significant differences were observed in change from baseline for A1C, FPG, 2-h PPG, or GI AE incidence between insulin dose groups, regardless of treatment. In both treatment arms, incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was lower in participants receiving 60 units/day vs. those receiving < 60 units/day. Participants treated with iGlarLixi (< 60 or 60 units/day) had modest weight loss over 30 weeks vs. an increase in weight compared with iGlar. CONCLUSIONS: Maximum doses of iGlarLixi were required in participants with a more insulin-resistant clinical phenotype (younger, higher BMI, FPG, and insulin doses). Benefits were observed with iGlarLixi vs. iGlar, even at 60 units/day, with more participants achieving glycemic goals, no increase in symptomatic hypoglycemia, and a modest reduction in body weight. FUNDING: Sanofi US, Inc.

Fixed-dose combination of ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Combining antihyperglycemic agents in order to rapidly and safely achieve the best possible glycemic control is the standard of care today for the management of type 2 diabetes. Agents should ideally have mechanisms of actions that are complementary and that improve glycemic control without unacceptable gain in body weight or hypoglycemia. Areas covered: Ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride (ertugliflozin/metformin, SEGLUROMET) is a recently approved fixed-dose combination tablet containing the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor ertugliflozin and metformin. This review summarizes key characteristics of ertugliflozin and metformin, as well as the efficacy and safety results of co-administration of these agents in the ertugliflozin clinical development program. This information comes from the ertugliflozin/metformin prescribing information as well as published clinical trials obtained through a PubMed search. Expert commentary: SGLT-2 inhibitors are an important class of antihyperglycemic agents that are efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents. Given their favorable effects on glycemia control as well as 'extra-glycemic' parameters such as body weight and blood pressure, they are ideal agents for appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes. The fixed-dose combination of ertugliflozin with metformin is an effective combination that is conveniently administered and may improve medication adherence and persistence.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) fixed-ratio combination in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi (a titratable, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine [iGlar] plus lixisenatide) in older patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This post hoc analysis used patient-level data from patients aged ≥65 years from the phase III LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L studies, which compared iGlarLixi with iGlar and lixisenatide (LixiLan-O only). Efficacy endpoints were changes in glycated hemoglobin A1C, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, weight, and achievement of A1C <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Safety measures included incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (defined as typical symptoms of hypoglycemia plus self-measured plasma glucose ≤70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L]), severe hypoglycemia (requiring assistance of another person), and incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Results were compared with those from patients aged <65 years. RESULTS: In both trials, older patients treated with iGlarLixi achieved significantly greater reductions in A1C at Week 30 than comparators. Treatment with iGlarLixi mitigated insulin-associated weight gain and lixisenatide-associated gastrointestinal events. Results were largely comparable between patients aged ≥65 versus <65 years. CONCLUSIONS: iGlarLixi provides significant improvements in glycemic control in patients aged ≥65 years without increasing hypoglycemia risk. As a once-daily injection, it simplifies treatment regimens and may contribute to improved adherence in this patient population.

Efficacy and safety of LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, placebo-controlled and active comparator-controlled phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: LY3298176 is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of co-stimulation of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors with LY3298176 compared with placebo or selective stimulation of GLP-1 receptors with dulaglutide in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomised, phase 2 study, patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1:1) to receive either once-weekly subcutaneous LY3298176 (1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg), dulaglutide (1·5 mg), or placebo for 26 weeks. Assignment was stratified by baseline glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), metformin use, and body-mass index (BMI). Eligible participants (aged 18-75) had type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months (HbA1c 7·0-10·5%, inclusive), that was inadequately controlled with diet and exercise alone or with stable metformin therapy, and a BMI of 23-50 kg/m2. The primary efficacy outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline to 26 weeks in the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population (all patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one postbaseline measurement of any outcome). Secondary endpoints, measured in the mITT on treatment dataset, were change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 weeks; change in mean bodyweight, fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and proportion of patients reaching the HbA1c target (≤6·5% and <7·0%) from baseline to weeks 12 and 26; and proportion of patients with at least 5% and 10% bodyweight loss from baseline to 26 weeks. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03131687. FINDINGS: Between May 24, 2017, and March 28, 2018, 555 participants were assessed for eligibility, of whom 318 were randomly assigned to one of the six treatment groups. Because two participants did not receive treatment, the modified intention-to-treat and safety populations included 316 participants. 258 (81·7%) participants completed 26 weeks of treatment, and 283 (89·6%) completed the study. At baseline, mean age was 57 years (SD 9), BMI was 32·6 kg/m2 (5·9), duration from diagnosis of diabetes was 9 years (6), HbA1c was 8·1% (1·0), 53% of patients were men, and 47% were women. At 26 weeks, the effect of LY3298176 on change in HbA1c was dose-dependent and did not plateau. Mean changes from baseline in HbA1c with LY3298176 were -1·06% for 1 mg, -1·73% for 5 mg, -1·89% for 10 mg, and -1·94% for 15 mg, compared with -0·06% for placebo (posterior mean differences [80% credible set] vs placebo: -1·00% [-1·22 to -0·79] for 1 mg, -1·67% [-1·88 to -1·46] for 5 mg, -1·83% [-2·04 to -1·61] for 10 mg, and -1·89% [-2·11 to -1·67] for 15 mg). Compared with dulaglutide (-1·21%) the posterior mean differences (80% credible set) for change in HbA1c from baseline to 26 weeks with the LY3298176 doses were 0·15% (-0·08 to 0·38) for 1 mg, -0·52% (-0·72 to -0·31) for 5 mg, -0·67% (-0·89 to -0·46) for 10 mg, and -0·73% (-0·95 to -0·52) for 15 mg. At 26 weeks, 33-90% of patients treated with LY3298176 achieved the HbA1c target of less than 7·0% (vs 52% with dulaglutide, 12% with placebo) and 15-82% achieved the HbA1c target of at least 6·5% (vs 39% with dulaglutide, 2% with placebo). Changes in fasting plasma glucose ranged from -0·4 mmol/L to -3·4 mmol/L for LY3298176 (vs 0·9 mmol/L for placebo, -1·2 mmol/L for dulaglutide). Changes in mean bodyweight ranged from -0·9 kg to -11·3 kg for LY3298176 (vs -0·4 kg for placebo, -2·7 kg for dulaglutide). At 26 weeks, 14-71% of those treated with LY3298176 achieved the weight loss target of at least 5% (vs 22% with dulaglutide, 0% with placebo) and 6-39% achieved the weight loss target of at least 10% (vs 9% with dulaglutide, 0% with placebo). Changes in waist circumference ranged from -2·1 cm to -10·2 cm for LY3298176 (vs -1·3 cm for placebo, -2·5 cm for dulaglutide). Changes in total cholesterol ranged from 0·2 mmol/L to -0·3 mmol/L for LY3298176 (vs 0·3 mmol/L for placebo, -0·2 mmol/L for dulaglutide). Changes in HDL or LDL cholesterol did not differ between the LY3298176 and placebo groups. Changes in triglyceride concentration ranged from 0 mmol/L to -0·8 mmol/L for LY3298176 (vs 0·3 mmol/L for placebo, -0·3 mmol/L for dulaglutide). The 12-week outcomes were similar to those at 26 weeks for all secondary outcomes. 13 (4%) of 316 participants across the six treatment groups had 23 serious adverse events in total. Gastrointestinal events (nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting) were the most common treatment-emergent adverse events. The incidence of gastrointestinal events was dose-related (23·1% for 1 mg LY3298176, 32·7% for 5 mg LY3298176, 51·0% for 10 mg LY3298176, and 66·0% for 15 mg LY3298176, 42·6% for dulaglutide, 9·8% for placebo); most events were mild to moderate in intensity and transient. Decreased appetite was the second most common adverse event (3·8% for 1 mg LY3298176, 20·0% for 5 mg LY3298176, 25·5% for 10 mg LY3298176, 18·9% for 15 mg LY3298176, 5·6% for dulaglutide, 2·0% for placebo). There were no reports of severe hypoglycaemia. One patient in the placebo group died from lung adenocarcinoma stage IV, which was unrelated to study treatment. INTERPRETATION: The dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, LY3298176, showed significantly better efficacy with regard to glucose control and weight loss than did dulaglutide, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Combined GIP and GLP-1 receptor stimulation might offer a new therapeutic option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company.

The Sustained Effects of a Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, NNC0090-2746, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Unimolecular dual incretins derived from hybridized glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) sequences have demonstrated synergistic reduction of adiposity in animal models and reductions of hyperglycemia in short-duration human trials. Here, we extend the characterization of NNC0090-2746 (also known as RG7697), a fatty-acylated dual agonist possessing in vitro balanced GIPR and GLP-1R agonism. In this 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2a trial, patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin received 1.8 mg of NNC0090-2746 or placebo subcutaneously once daily. Liraglutide 1.8 mg (Victoza), starting with 2-week dose escalation, was administered subcutaneously once daily as an open-label reference arm. Measurements were collected at regular intervals after randomization. NNC0090-2746 significantly improved glycemic control and reduced body weight compared with placebo. Total cholesterol, alone among a range of lipid parameters, and leptin were both significantly reduced compared with placebo. Treatment with NNC0090-2746 was generally safe and well tolerated.

New Basal Insulins: a Clinical Perspective of Their Use in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Novel Treatment Options Beyond Basal Insulin.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review was to review advances in basal insulin formulations and new treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving glycemic targets despite optimized basal insulin therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in basal insulin formulations have resulted in products with increasingly favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, including flatter, peakless action profiles, less inter- and intra-patient variability, and longer duration of activity. These properties have translated to significantly reduced risk of hypoglycemia (particularly during the night) compared with previous generation basal insulins. When optimized basal insulin therapy is not sufficient to obtain or maintain glycemic goals, various options exist to improve glycemic control, including intensification of insulin therapy with the addition of prandial insulin or changing to pre-mixed insulin and, more recently, the addition of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, either as a separate injection or as a component of one of the new fixed-ratio combinations of a basal insulin and GLP-1 RA. New safer and often more convenient basal insulins and fixed ratio combinations containing basal insulin (and GLP-1 receptor agonist) are available today for patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving glycemic goals. Head-to-head studies comparing the latest generation basal insulins are underway, and future studies assessing the fixed-ratio combinations will be important to better understand their differentiating features.