Efficacy and safety of once-monthly efpeglenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results of a phase 2 placebo-controlled, 16-week randomized dose-finding study.

AIMS: To determine the optimal dose(s) of once-monthly administration of efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (NCT02081118), patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to subcutaneous efpeglenatide (8, 12 or 16 mg once monthly; n = 158) or placebo (n = 51). The 16-week treatment period included a 4-week titration phase with once-weekly efpeglenatide 4 mg, followed by one dose of efpeglenatide 8 mg once monthly and two doses of the assigned once-monthly dose. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 17. RESULTS: All efpeglenatide doses significantly reduced HbA1c versus placebo (P < 0.0001 for all). Overall, the least squares mean difference in HbA1c reductions between efpeglenatide and placebo was -7.7 mmol/mol (-0.71%; baseline to week 17). At week 17, a significantly greater proportion of efpeglenatide patients had an HbA1c level <53 mmol/mol (<7%) versus placebo (48.7% vs. 30.6%; P = 0.0320). Significant body weight loss occurred across all efpeglenatide doses (placebo-corrected reduction -2.0 kg [efpeglenatide overall]; P = 0.0003). The safety profile was consistent with GLP-1RAs, with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders being the most common treatment-emergent adverse events. Fluctuations in effects on glucose levels and rates of GI events occurred between peak and trough efpeglenatide concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Efpeglenatide once monthly (following once-weekly titration) has significant benefits with regard to HbA1c and weight reduction versus placebo in patients with T2D. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of efpeglenatide once monthly.

Pharmacokinetic and dose-finding studies on efpeglenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To assess the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials were conducted. The single-dose study (n = 48) was a first-in-patient, sequential dose-escalation study. Patients received a single subcutaneous injection of efpeglenatide (2-100 µg/kg) or placebo. The repeated-dose study (n = 71) was a multiple-ascending-dose trial. Patients received weekly (1, 2 or 4 mg once weekly; 8-week period) or monthly (8, 12 or 16 mg once monthly; 9-week period) subcutaneous injections of efpeglenatide or placebo (without titration). RESULTS: Both studies demonstrated dose-proportional increases in efpeglenatide serum concentrations. The median time to attain maximum serum concentration (tmax ) for efpeglenatide ranged from 72 to 144 hours in the single-dose study and from 48 to 120 hours in the repeated-dose study (following final dose). Geometric mean t1/2 ranged from 135 to 180 hours across studies. Peak-to-trough ratios in the repeated-dose study ranged from 1.3 to 1.4 with once-weekly dosing and from 5.9 to 12.9 with once-monthly dosing. Following a single dose of efpeglenatide 14-100 µg/kg, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose levels were decreased at week 1 and remained below baseline levels for ≥3 weeks post-dosing. Repeated doses of efpeglenatide led to significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin vs placebo. In both studies, efpeglenatide was generally well tolerated. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events in efpeglenatide-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The delayed tmax, long half-life, and low peak-to-trough ratios observed demonstrate potential for improved efficacy and dosing flexibility, with good tolerability of efpeglenatide in patients with T2D.

Predictive factors associated with three years of response to HbA1c goals with exenatide QW or insulin glargine: Post-hoc analysis of the DURATION-3 study.

This post-hoc analysis of the DURATION-3 study aimed to identify factors associated with sustained glycaemic response with exenatide once weekly (QW) or insulin glargine (IG) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Response was defined as achieving treatment target of HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) at Week 26; sustained responders maintained the treatment target for ≥80% of remaining visits, including one during the final 6 months. Of 467 patients, 287 (61.5%) completed 156 weeks of treatment. At Week 26, 175 patients (61.0%) (exenatide QW, n = 95; IG, n = 80) achieved an HbA1c response. At Week 156, 84 of 175 responders (48.0%) had sustained response, with more sustained responders with exenatide QW (22.7% vs 13.9% with IG; P < 0.03). Logistic regression identified three predictors of sustained response: (a) exenatide QW vs IG treatment (odds ratio, 2.584 [95% confidence interval, 1.288-5.187]; P = 0.0075), (b) lower HbA1c at Week 26 (0.139 [0.053-0.366]; P < 0.0001), and (c) lower fasting serum glucose at Week 26 (0.693 [0.541-0.888]; P = 0.0037). A regression model was used to estimate the likelihood of sustained response with either treatment. This analysis provides a helpful tool for predicting sustained response with exenatide QW or IG.

Body weight management and safety with efpeglenatide in adults without diabetes: A phase II randomized study.

AIM: To evaluate the safety of efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), and its effects on body weight management in adults without diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with comorbidity were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to efpeglenatide (4 mg once weekly, 6 mg once weekly, 6 mg once every 2 wk, or 8 mg once every 2 wk; n = 237) or placebo (n = 60) in combination with a hypocaloric diet. The primary endpoint was body weight change from baseline after 20 wk of treatment, assessed using a mixed-effect model with repeated measures with an unstructured covariance matrix over all post-screening visits; treatment comparisons were based on least squares mean estimates. RESULTS: Over 20 wk, all doses of efpeglenatide significantly reduced body weight from baseline versus placebo (P < 0.0001), with placebo-adjusted reductions ranging between -6.3 kg (6 mg once every 2 wk) and -7.2 kg (6 mg once weekly). Greater proportions of efpeglenatide-treated participants had body weight loss of ≥5% or ≥10% versus placebo (P < 0.01, all comparisons). Efpeglenatide led to significant improvements in glycaemic variables (fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin) and lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides) versus placebo. Rates of study discontinuations as a result of adverse events ranged from 5% to 19% with efpeglenatide. Gastrointestinal effects were the most common treatment-emergent adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Efpeglenatide once weekly and once every 2 wk led to significant body weight reduction and improved glycaemic and lipid variables versus placebo. It was also well tolerated for weight management in adults without diabetes.

Exenatide twice daily versus glimepiride for prevention of glycaemic deterioration in patients with type 2 diabetes with metformin failure (EUREXA): an open-label, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Glycaemic control deteriorates progressively over time in patients with type 2 diabetes. Options for treatment escalation remain controversial after failure of first-line treatment with metformin. We compared add-on exenatide with glimepiride for durability of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin alone. METHODS: We did an open-label, randomised controlled trial at 128 centres in 14 countries between Sept 5, 2006, and March 29, 2011. Patients aged 18-85 years with type 2 diabetes inadequately treated by metformin were randomly assigned via a computer-generated randomisation sequence to receive exenatide twice daily or glimepiride once daily as add-on to metformin. Randomisation was stratified by predetermined categories of glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1C)) concentration. The primary outcome was time to inadequate glycaemic control and need for alternative treatment, defined as an HbA(1c) concentration of more than 9% after the first 3 months of treatment, or more than 7% at two consecutive visits after the first 6 months. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with EudraCT, number 2005-005448-21, and ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00359762. FINDINGS: We randomly assigned 515 patients to the exenatide group and 514 to the glimepiride group, of whom 490 versus 487 were the intention-to-treat population. 203 (41%) patients had treatment failure in the exenatide group compared with 262 (54%) in the glimepiride group (risk difference 12·4 [95% CI 6·2-18·6], hazard ratio 0·748 [0·623-0·899]; p=0·002). 218 (44%) of 490 patients in the exenatide group, and 150 (31%) of 487 in the glimepiride group achieved an HbA(1c) concentration of less than 7% (p<0·0001), and 140 (29%) versus 87 (18%) achieved concentrations of 6·5% and less (p=0·0001). We noted a significantly greater decrease in bodyweight in patients given exenatide than in those given glimepiride (p<0·0001). Five patients in each treatment group died from causes unrelated to treatment. Significantly fewer patients in the exenatide group than in the glimepiride group reported documented symptomatic (p<0·0001), nocturnal (p=0·007), and non-nocturnal (p<0·0001) hypoglycaemia. Discontinuation because of adverse events (mainly gastrointestinal) was significantly higher (p=0·0005) in the exenatide group than in the glimepiride group in the first 6 months of treatment, but not thereafter. INTERPRETATION: These findings provide evidence for the benefits of exenatide versus glimepiride for control of glycaemic deterioration in patients with type-2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin alone. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company; Amylin Pharmaceuticals.

N-2-pyridinylmethyl-N'-arylmethyl-diaminomaleonitriles: new highly selective chromogenic chemodosimeters for copper(II).

Copper chemodosimeters: The copper(II)-promoted air oxidation of 1-3 to form 4-6 permits the highly selective colorimetric detection of Cu(2+) ions. The formation of copper(II) complexes of 4-6 proceeds rapidly, and the chemodosimeters 1-3 are viable at physiological pH.

Efficacy and safety of efpeglenatide in key patient subgroups from the BALANCE randomized trial, stratified by pre-diabetes status, BMI, and age at baseline.

INTRODUCTION: Efpeglenatide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist being developed to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the BALANCE 205 study (NCT02075281), efpeglenatide significantly reduced body weight versus placebo in patients with obesity, or overweight with comorbidities, and without T2D. These subanalyses explore the efficacy and safety of efpeglenatide in subgroups of patients with pre-diabetes and stratified by body mass index (BMI) or age from the BALANCE study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The 20-week BALANCE study randomized patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥27 kg/m2 with comorbidities, and without diabetes, to efpeglenatide 4 mg or 6 mg once weekly, 6 mg or 8 mg once every 2 weeks, or placebo. For these subanalyses, patients were stratified by pre-diabetes status (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7%-6.4% (39-46 mmol/mol) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 100-125 mg/dL) and by BMI or age < or ≥ median values (34.9 kg/m2 and 44 years, respectively) at baseline. RESULTS: In patients with pre-diabetes at baseline, all efpeglenatide doses led to greater proportions of patients reverting to normoglycemia (40.6%-64.3%) versus placebo (10.0%), and greater reductions in HbA1c (0.30%-0.38%), FPG (7.7-14.1 mg/dL), and weight (5.6-7.3 kg) versus placebo (nominal p<0.05 for all). In patients with BMI or age < or ≥ median, greater reductions in weight were observed with all efpeglenatide doses versus placebo (nominal p<0.01 for all). The most common adverse events in patients receiving efpeglenatide across patient subgroups were gastrointestinal adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the overall BALANCE population and suggest beneficial effects of efpeglenatide on glycemic control and body weight regardless of pre-diabetes status, age, or BMI at baseline. The effects of efpeglenatide on glycemic control in patients with pre-diabetes suggest it might help reduce the likelihood of at-risk patients developing diabetes.

Once weekly exenatide compared with insulin glargine titrated to target in patients with type 2 diabetes (DURATION-3): an open-label randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes treatments are needed that are convenient, provide effective glycaemic control, and do not cause weight gain. We aimed to test the hypothesis that improvement in haemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) achieved with once weekly exenatide was superior to that achieved with insulin glargine titrated to glucose targets. METHODS: In this 26-week, open-label, randomised, parallel study, we compared exenatide with insulin glargine in adults with type 2 diabetes who had suboptimum glycaemic control despite use of maximum tolerated doses of blood-glucose-lowering drugs for 3 months or longer. Patients were randomly assigned to add exenatide (2 mg, once-a-week injection) or insulin glargine (once-daily injection, starting dose 10 IU, target glucose range 4.0-5.5 mmol/L) to their blood-glucose-lowering regimens. Randomisation was with a one-to-one allocation and block size four, stratified according to country and concomitant treatment (70% metformin only; 30% metformin plus sulphonylurea). Participants and clinical investigators were not masked to assignment, but investigators analysing data were. The primary endpoint was change in HbA(1c) from baseline, and analysis of this outcome was by modified intention to treat for all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00641056. FINDINGS: 456 patients were randomly allocated to treatment and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (233 exenatide, 223 insulin glargine). Participants who received at least one dose of study drug and for whom baseline and at least one postbaseline measurement of HbA(1c) were available were included in the primary efficacy analysis. Change in HbA(1c) at 26 weeks was greater in patients taking exenatide (n=228; -1.5%, SE 0.05) than in those taking insulin glargine (n=220; -1.3%, 0.06; treatment difference -0.16%, 0.07, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.03). 12 (5%) of 233 patients allocated to exenatide and two (1%) of 223 taking insulin glargine discontinued participation because of adverse events (p=0.012). A planned extension period (up to 2.5 years' duration) is in progress. INTERPRETATION: Once weekly exenatide is an important therapeutic option for patients for whom risk of hypoglycaemia, weight loss, and convenience are particular concerns. FUNDING: Amylin Pharmaceuticals; Eli Lilly and Company.

Exenatide once weekly treatment maintained improvements in glycemic control and weight loss over 2 years.

BACKGROUND: The once-weekly (QW) formulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide has been demonstrated to improve A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body weight, serum lipid profiles, and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes through 52 weeks of treatment. In this report, we describe the 2-year results of the open-label, open-ended extension to the DURATION-1 trial of exenatide QW for type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A 2-stage protocol was used: patients received either exenatide QW (2 mg) or exenatide twice daily for 30 weeks (5 µg for the first 4 weeks and 10 µg thereafter), followed by 1.5 years of treatment with exenatide QW (2 mg), for a total of 2 years (104 weeks) of exenatide treatment. Of the 295 (intent-to-treat [ITT]) patients who entered the trial, 73% (n = 216) completed 2 years of treatment (completer population). Baseline characteristics (mean ± SE) for these patients were: A1C, 8.2 ± 0.1%; FPG, 168.4 ± 43.0 mg/dL; body weight, 101.1 ± 18.7 kg; and diabetes duration, 7 ± 5 years. RESULTS: In the completer population, significant improvements (LS mean ± SE [95% CI]) were maintained after 2 years of treatment in A1C (-1.71 ± 0.08% [-1.86 to -1.55%]), FPG (-40.1 ± 2.9 mg/dL [-45.7 to -34.5 mg/dL]), and body weight (-2.61 ± 0.52 kg [-3.64 to -1.58 kg]) compared with baseline. The percentages of patients who achieved an A1C of <7.0% and ≤6.5% at 2 years were 60% and 39%, respectively. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP; -3.0 ± 1.0 mmHg [-4.9 to -1.1 mmHg]) was maintained through 2 years of treatment. Serum lipid profiles were also significantly improved, including triglycerides (geometric LS mean change from baseline, -15 ± 2.7% [-21% to -10%]), total cholesterol (-8.6 ± 2.8 mg/dL [-14.0 to -3.1 mg/dL]), and low-density lipoproteins (-4.5 ± 2.2 mg/dL [-8.9 to -0.01 mg/dL]). Changes in A1C, body weight, FPG, SBP, and lipids in the ITT population were similar to those seen in the completer population. Nausea (predominantly mild in intensity) was the most common adverse event, although the frequency and intensity of nausea decreased over time. No severe hypoglycemia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide QW was well tolerated during the 2-year treatment period. This study demonstrated sustained glucose control and weight loss throughout 2 years of treatment with exenatide QW. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00308139.

Effects of efpeglenatide versus liraglutide on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism and beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes: an exploratory, randomized phase Ib study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effects of efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism, and islet beta-cell function versus liraglutide and placebo in people with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This phase Ib study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02059564) randomized participants (n=47) to three cohorts. Within the first two cohorts, participants were randomized to placebo, efpeglenatide 6 mg weekly (QW; first cohort), or efpeglenatide 16 mg monthly (QM; second cohort). The third cohort received liraglutide 1.8 mg daily (QD). Gastric emptying was assessed through the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of acetaminophen at baseline and steady state. Glucose metabolism and beta-cell function were assessed based on mixed-meal tolerance testing and a graded glucose infusion procedure. RESULTS: Treatment duration was approximately 3 months for efpeglenatide 16 mg QM and 1 month for efpeglenatide 6 mg QW and liraglutide. At peak drug concentrations, efpeglenatide 6 mg QW was non-inferior to liraglutide 1.8 mg QD in delaying gastric emptying, as assessed by acetaminophen PK (lower bound of 90% CI for the efpeglenatide:liraglutide ratio >0.8 for area under the curve (AUC)0-120, AUC0-180, AUC0-360 and maximum concentration (Cmax)). Efpeglenatide 16 mg QM did not decrease the rate of gastric emptying to as great an extent as liraglutide (ie, non-inferiority was not shown). Compared with liraglutide, both efpeglenatide dosing regimens demonstrated comparable or more favorable glucometabolic effects and improved beta-cell function. All gastrointestinal adverse events reported with efpeglenatide were mild or moderate in severity and transient over treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The glucometabolic effects of efpeglenatide 6 mg QW and 16 mg QM were comparable to liraglutide. Additional studies are necessary to further examine these benefits of efpeglenatide. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02059564.

Exenatide once weekly versus twice daily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: Exenatide is an incretin mimetic that shares glucoregulatory properties with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and improves glycaemic control, with progressive bodyweight reductions, when administered twice a day in patients with type 2 diabetes. We compared the efficacy of a once-weekly formulation of exenatide to that of a twice daily dose. METHODS: A 30-week, randomised, non-inferiority study compared a long-acting release formulation of exenatide 2 mg administered once weekly to 10 mug exenatide administered twice a day, in 295 patients with type 2 diabetes (haemoglobin A(1c) [HbA(1c)] 8.3% [SD 1.0], mean fasting plasma glucose 9 [SD 2] mmol/L, weight 102 [SD 20] kg, diabetes duration 6.7 [SD 5.0] years). The patients were naive to drug therapy, or on one or more oral antidiabetic agents. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA(1c) at 30 weeks. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00308139. FINDINGS: At 30 weeks, the patients given exenatide once a week had significantly greater changes in HbA(1c) than those given exenatide twice a day (-1.9 [SE 0.1%] vs -1.5 [0.1%], 95% CI -0.54% to -0.12%; p=0.0023). A significantly greater proportion of patients receiving treatment once a week versus twice a day achieved target HbA(1c) levels of 7.0% or less (77%vs 61% of evaluable patients, p=0.0039). INTERPRETATION: Exenatide once weekly resulted in significantly greater improvements in glycaemic control than exenatide given twice a day, with no increased risk of hypoglycaemia and similar reductions in bodyweight.

Once-Weekly Efpeglenatide Dose-Range Effects on Glycemic Control and Body Weight in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes on Metformin or Drug Naive, Referenced to Liraglutide.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-weekly efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in early type 2 diabetes (T2D) (drug naive or on metformin monotherapy). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: EXCEED 203 was a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, dose-ranging study of efpeglenatide once weekly referenced to open-label liraglutide 1.8 mg (exploratory analysis). Participants, ∼90% on metformin monotherapy, were randomized to one of five efpeglenatide doses (0.3, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mg q.w.; n = 181), placebo (n = 37), or liraglutide (≤1.8 mg daily; n = 36). The primary efficacy end point was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 13. RESULTS: From a baseline HbA1c of 7.7-8.0% (61.0-63.9 mmol/mol), all efpeglenatide doses ≥1 mg significantly reduced HbA1c versus placebo (placebo-adjusted least squares [LS] mean changes 0.6-1.2%, P < 0.05 for all) to a final HbA1c of 6.3-6.8% (45.4-50.6 mmol/mol); masked efpeglenatide 4 mg was noninferior to open-label liraglutide. Greater proportions treated with efpeglenatide ≥1 mg than placebo achieved HbA1c <7% (61-72% vs. 24%, P < 0.05 for all), and greater reductions in body weight were observed with efpeglenatide 3 and 4 mg versus placebo (placebo-adjusted LS mean differences -1.4 and -2.0 kg, respectively, P < 0.05 for both). Rates of nausea and vomiting were consistent with other GLP-1 RAs and rapidly subsided after the initial 2 weeks. No neutralizing antibodies were detected with efpeglenatide. CONCLUSIONS: Efpeglenatide once weekly led to significant reductions in HbA1c and weight, with a safety profile consistent with the GLP-1 RA class in patients with early T2D mostly on metformin monotherapy.

Effect of exenatide on gastric emptying and relationship to postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of exenatide on gastric emptying (GE) in type 2 diabetes using scintigraphy. METHODS: Seventeen subjects with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized, single-blind, 3-period, crossover study. In each 5-day period, 5 or 10 microg exenatide or placebo was administered subcutaneously BID. Oral antidiabetic treatments were continued. The presence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy was assessed during screening. On day 5, after the morning dose, subjects consumed a 450-kcal breakfast containing (99m)Tc-labeled eggs and (111)In-labeled water, and GE was measured by scintigraphy. Plasma glucose and insulin, perceptions of appetite, and plasma exenatide were also quantified. RESULTS: Exenatide slowed GE of both solid and liquid meal components [solid (T(50)(90% confidence interval [CI]); placebo, 60(50-70) min; 5 microg exenatide, 111(94-132) min; 10 microg exenatide, 169(143-201) min; both P<0.01); liquid (T(50)(90% CI), placebo, 34(25-46) min; 5 microg exenatide, 87(65-117) min; 10 microg exenatide, 114(85-154) min; both P<0.01)]. GE was not different between subjects with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (n=7), compared with those without (n=10) (P>/=0.68). Exenatide reduced postprandial glucose (area under the curve [AUC((0-6 h))]) by 69-76% and peak insulin (C(max)) by 84-86% compared with placebo. There was an inverse relationship between the postprandial rise in glucose (AUC((0-3 h))) and GE (solid T(50), r=-0.49, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide slows GE substantially in type 2 diabetes, which could be an important mechanism contributing to the beneficial effect of exenatide on postprandial glycemia.

The effect of adding exenatide to a thiazolidinedione in suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Exenatide therapy is effective in combination with metformin or sulfonylureas for treating type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) also are commonly used, but the efficacy of exenatide with a TZD has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of exenatide versus placebo on glycemic control. DESIGN: Placebo run-in, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from May 2004 to August 2005. SETTING: 49 sites in Canada, Spain, and the United States. PATIENTS: 233 (exenatide group, n = 121; placebo group, n = 112) patients with type 2 diabetes that was suboptimally controlled with TZD treatment (with or without metformin). Mean (+/-SE) baseline glycated hemoglobin A1c level was 7.9% +/- 0.1%. INTERVENTIONS: Subcutaneous abdominal injections of 10 microg of exenatide or placebo twice daily, added to a TZD (with or without metformin) for 16 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was change from baseline in hemoglobin A1c level. Other outcomes were fasting serum glucose level, body weight, self-monitored blood glucose level, and any adverse events. RESULTS: Exenatide treatment reduced hemoglobin A(1c) level (mean difference, -0.98% [95% CI, -1.21% to -0.74%]), serum fasting glucose level (mean difference, -1.69 mmol/L [-30.5 mg/dL] [CI, -2.22 to -1.17 mmol/L {-40.0 to -21.1 mg/dL}]), and body weight (mean difference, -1.51 kg [CI, -2.15 to -0.88 kg]). Sixteen percent of patients in the exenatide group and 2% of patients in the placebo group discontinued treatment because of adverse events. In the exenatide group, 40% (n = 48) of patients experienced nausea (mostly mild [n = 21] or moderate [n = 19]), 13% experienced vomiting, and 11% experienced hypoglycemia. In the placebo group, 15% of patients experienced nausea, 1% experienced vomiting, and 7% experienced hypoglycemia. LIMITATIONS: Combinations with TZDs and sulfonylureas were not tested. Trial duration was relatively short. Only 71% and 86% of patients in the exenatide and placebo groups, respectively, completed the study. CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide therapy improved glycemic control, reduced body weight, and caused gastrointestinal symptoms more than placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes that was suboptimally controlled with TZD therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00099320. For more information on exenatide click here.

Tolerability and efficacy of exenatide and titrated insulin glargine in adult patients with type 2 diabetes previously uncontrolled with metformin or a sulfonylurea: a multinational, randomized, open-label, two-period, crossover noninferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of exenatide and insulin glargine therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes who had not achieved glucose control with metformin or sulfonylurea monotherapy. METHODS: This multinational, randomized, open-label, crossover noninferiority study compared the efficacy of exenatide 10 pg BID and insulin glargine QD (titrated targeting a fasting serum glucose (FSG) level < or =5.6 mmol/L) in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a single oral antidiabetic agent. The study included two 16-week treatment periods. The primary a priori outcome variable was the change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(lc)). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving the American Diabetes Association (ADA) target HbA(lc) of < or =7% and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes target of < or =6.5%, the change in FSG, end-point values and change in the 7-point self-monitored glucose profile, and change in body weight. Adverse events were assessed based on standard laboratory tests and patient reports. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients were randomized to study treatment (52.9% female, 47.1% male; 79.7% white; mean [SEM] age, 54.9 [0.8] years; duration of diabetes, 7.4 [0.4] years; body mass index, 31.1 [0.4] kg/m(2); weight, 84.8 [1.4] kg) while continuing to receive metformin (55.1%) or a sulfonylurea (44.9%). The population had a baseline least squares (LS) mean (SEM) HbA(lc) of 8.95% (0.09%) and an LS mean FSG concentration of 12.0 (0.3) mmol/L. Both exenatide and titrated insulin glargine therapy were associated with similar significant changes from baseline in HbA(1c) (both, -1.36% [0.09%]; P < 0.001); the difference between groups was not statistically significant. The LS mean HbA(1c) at end point was above the ADA target with both treatments (exenatide, 7.57% [0.09%]; insulin glargine, 7.58% [0.09%]). Similar proportions of patients achieved an HbA(1c) < or =7% (37.5% and 39.8%, respectively; P = NS) or < or =6.5% (21.5% and 13.6%). Patients lost weight during exenatide treatment, whereas they gained weight during insulin glargine treatment; the between-group difference in weight change was statistically significant (LS mean difference, -2.2 [0.3] kg; 95% CI, -2.8 to-1.7; P < 0.001). Both exenatide and insulin glargine were associated with significant reductions from baseline in FSG (-2.9 [0.2] and -4.1 [0.2] mmol/L, respectively; both, P < 0.001), although the reduction was significantly greater with insulin glargine compared with exenatide (LS mean difference, 1.2 [0.3] mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.7 to 1.7; P < 0.001). Compared with insulin glargine, exenatide was associated with significantly lower 2-hour postprandial glucose (PPG) excursions (P < 0.016) and total daily mean glucose excursion (P < 0.001). The proportions of patients reporting nausea during exenatide and insulin glargine treatment were 42.6% and 3.1%, respectively; the proportions reporting vomiting were 9.6% and 3.1%. The incidence of hypoglycemia in the 2 groups was 14.7% and 25.2% (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: In this open-label, crossover study, treatment with exenatide or insulin glargine for 16 weeks was associated with similar significant improvements from baseline in HbA(1c), independent of treatment order. The improvements in HbA(1c) from baseline did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Exenatide therapy was associated with significant reductions in body weight and PPG excursions compared with insulin glargine, whereas insulin glargine was associated with a significantly greater reduction in FSG compared with exenatide. These findings provide additional information to guide treatment decisions in patients with type 2 diabetes who are potential candidates for either therapy.

Three-year efficacy and safety of exenatide once weekly: A pooled analysis of three trials.

AIMS: To evaluate the 3-year efficacy and safety of exenatide once weekly (QW) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a large clinical population. METHODS: This post hoc analysis of three DURATION studies examined pooled efficacy and adverse events with exenatide QW from the 2.5- to 3-year completer populations; insulin glargine (glargine) was a reference (DURATION-3). Patients randomized to exenatide QW during the controlled study periods continued controlled treatment (DURATION-3) or single-arm treatment (DURATION-1; DURATION-2) with exenatide QW for the study duration. RESULTS: In the exenatide QW group (N=329), reductions from baseline in HbA1c, fasting glucose, and body weight were maintained from weeks 4 to 156 (HbA1c: -1.1±1.3%; fasting glucose: -1.7±2.7mmol/L; body weight: -2.4±5.6kg; P<0.05). Glycemic efficacy with exenatide QW and glargine was similar (HbA1c reduction: -0.8±1.0%; N=158); body weight increased with glargine (+2.0±4.9kg). Variable reductions in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol occurred with exenatide QW. At week 156, 48.3% and 30.7% of exenatide QW recipients achieved HbA1c goals of <7.0% and ≤6.5%, respectively. No new safety or tolerability issues were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide QW improved glycemic outcomes and was well tolerated in patients with T2D for up to 156weeks.

Early Pharmacodynamic Effects of Exenatide Once Weekly in Type 2 Diabetes Are Independent of Weight Loss: A Pooled Analysis of Patient-level Data.

PURPOSE: Exenatide once weekly, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exenatide acts by binding to and activating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, thereby stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucose-dependent glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing feelings of satiety. Gradual increases in drug level ("autotitration") after the initiation of a fixed exenatide 2-mg weekly dose achieve minimal effective (~50 pg/mL) and steady-state (~300 pg/mL) concentrations by 2 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks, respectively. The purpose of this study was to examine pharmacodynamic outcomes with exenatide once weekly and to determine whether changes are secondary to weight loss and thus delayed by the sequential nature of responses. METHODS: This post hoc analysis evaluated trials in the exenatide once-weekly development program. Outcomes included glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, fasting serum or plasma glucose (FG), lipids, and blood pressure (BP) at weeks 2, 4, and 24. Relationships between changes from baseline in these outcomes and changes in weight were examined. The effect of nausea and vomiting (adverse events characteristic of GLP-1RAs) on weight loss was also assessed. FINDINGS: Pooled data were analyzed from 12 trials in which 2190 patients received exenatide once weekly. Patients had a mean HbA1c level of 8.4% and weight of 87 kg at baseline. Exenatide once weekly produced significant improvements in HbA1c, FG, weight, and systolic BP at weeks 2 and 4, with continuous improvements through week 24. There were no clinically meaningful correlations between weight loss and improvements in pharmacodynamic outcomes at weeks 2, 4, or 24. Patients had significant reductions in weight at weeks 2, 4, and 24 regardless of whether they experienced nausea and/or vomiting during the study, although patients with at least 1 nausea/vomiting event had greater weight loss at week 24 than those who did not. IMPLICATIONS: Improvements in pharmacodynamic end points occurred early in treatment with exenatide once weekly, before steady-state plasma concentrations. These early effects did not seem to be secondary to weight loss and are likely the direct effects of exenatide.

Exenatide augments first- and second-phase insulin secretion in response to intravenous glucose in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT: First-phase insulin secretion (within 10 min after a sudden rise in plasma glucose) is reduced in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The incretin mimetic exenatide has glucoregulatory activities in DM2, including glucose-dependent enhancement of insulin secretion. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether exenatide can restore a more normal pattern of insulin secretion in subjects with DM2. DESIGN: Fasted subjects received iv insulin infusion to reach plasma glucose 4.4-5.6 mmol/liter. Subjects received iv exenatide (DM2) or saline (DM2 and healthy volunteers), followed by iv glucose challenge. PATIENTS: Thirteen evaluable DM2 subjects were included in the study: 11 males, two females; age, 56 +/- 7 yr; body mass index, 31.7 +/- 2.4 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c, 6.6 +/- 0.7% (mean +/- sd) treated with diet/exercise (n = 1), metformin (n = 10), or acarbose (n = 2). Controls included 12 healthy, weight-matched subjects with normal glucose tolerance: nine males, three females; age, 57 +/- 9 yr; and body mass index, 32.0 +/- 3.0 kg/m2. SETTING: The study was conducted at an academic hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma insulin, plasma C-peptide, insulin secretion rate (derived by deconvolution), and plasma glucagon were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: DM2 subjects administered saline had diminished first-phase insulin secretion, compared with healthy control subjects. Exenatide-treated DM2 subjects had an insulin secretory pattern similar to healthy subjects in both first (0-10 min) and second (10-180 min) phases after glucose challenge, in contrast to saline-treated DM2 subjects. In exenatide-treated DM2 subjects, the most common adverse event was moderate nausea (two of 13 subjects). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term exposure to exenatide can restore the insulin secretory pattern in response to acute rises in glucose concentrations in DM2 patients who, in the absence of exenatide, do not display a first phase of insulin secretion. Loss of first-phase insulin secretion in DM2 patients may be restored by treatment with exenatide.

Five-year efficacy and safety data of exenatide once weekly: long-term results from the DURATION-1 randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 5-year efficacy and safety of once weekly exenatide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Diabetes Therapy Utilization: Researching Changes in A1C, Weight and Other Factors Through Intervention with Exenatide Once Weekly (DURATION-1) randomized clinical trial consisted of a 30-week controlled phase (2 mg of exenatide once weekly vs 10 µg of exenatide twice daily) with an open-ended uncontrolled extension (once weekly exenatide only) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on background glucose-lowering therapies (April 15, 2006, through February 21, 2012). At week 30, patients initially receiving 10 µg of exenatide twice daily switched to 2 mg of exenatide once weekly. Study end points included changes from baseline in hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, weight, lipids, and blood pressure. Long-term safety data included adverse events, liver and renal function, and heart rate. RESULTS: Of 258 extension-phase patients, 153 (59.3%) completed 5 years of treatment. Hemoglobin A1c levels were significantly and durably reduced from baseline (least-squares mean, -1.6%; 95% CI, -1.8% to -1.4%; vs -1.9% for exenatide once weekly at week 30), and 65 (43.9%) of 148 patients achieved hemoglobin A1c levels of less than 7.0%. Significant improvements in fasting plasma glucose level (-28.8 mg/dL; 95% CI, -36.2 to -21.5 mg/dL), weight (-3.0 kg; 95% CI, -4.6 to -1.3 kg), lipids, and diastolic blood pressure were observed, with minimal heart rate increase. Frequencies of nausea and injection-site reactions or nodules were decreased vs the initial 30-week controlled phase. Minor hypoglycemia occurred predominantly with sulfonylurea use, and no major hypoglycemia or new safety signals were observed. CONCLUSION: Long-term once weekly exenatide treatment was generally well tolerated with sustained glycemic improvement, weight reduction, and improved markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00308139.

Assessment of pancreatic ß-cell function: review of methods and clinical applications.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by a progressive failure of pancreatic ß-cell function (BCF) with insulin resistance. Once insulin over-secretion can no longer compensate for the degree of insulin resistance, hyperglycemia becomes clinically significant and deterioration of residual ß-cell reserve accelerates. This pathophysiology has important therapeutic implications. Ideally, therapy should address the underlying pathology and should be started early along the spectrum of decreasing glucose tolerance in order to prevent or slow ß-cell failure and reverse insulin resistance. The development of an optimal treatment strategy for each patient requires accurate diagnostic tools for evaluating the underlying state of glucose tolerance. This review focuses on the most widely used methods for measuring BCF within the context of insulin resistance and includes examples of their use in prediabetes and T2DM, with an emphasis on the most recent therapeutic options (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists). Methods of BCF measurement include the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA); oral glucose tolerance tests, intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT), and meal tolerance tests; and the hyperglycemic clamp procedure. To provide a meaningful evaluation of BCF, it is necessary to interpret all observations within the context of insulin resistance. Therefore, this review also discusses methods utilized to quantitate insulin-dependent glucose metabolism, such as the IVGTT and the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp procedures. In addition, an example is presented of a mathematical modeling approach that can use data from BCF measurements to develop a better understanding of BCF behavior and the overall status of glucose tolerance.