Potent and selective PPAR-alpha agonist LY518674 upregulates both ApoA-I production and catabolism in human subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The study of PPAR-alpha activation on apoA-I production in humans has been limited to fibrates, relatively weak PPAR-alpha agonists that may have other molecular effects. We sought to determine the effect of a potent and highly specific PPAR-alpha agonist, LY518674, on apoA-I, apoA-II, and apoB-100 kinetics in humans with metabolic syndrome and low levels of HDL cholesterol (C). METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects were randomized to receive LY518674 (100 microg) once daily (n=13) or placebo (n=15) for 8 weeks. Subjects underwent a kinetic study using a deuterated leucine tracer to measure apolipoprotein production and fractional catabolic rates (FCR) at baseline and after treatment. LY518674 significantly reduced VLDL-C (-38%, P=0.002) and triglyceride (-23%, P=0.002) levels whereas LDL-C and HDL-C levels were unchanged. LY518674 significantly reduced VLDL apoB-100 (-12%, P=0.01) levels, attributable to an increased VLDL apoB-100 FCR with no change in VLDL apoB-100 production. IDL and LDL apoB-100 kinetics were unchanged. LY518674 significantly increased the apoA-I production rate by 31% (P<0.0001), but this was accompanied by a 33% increase in the apoA-I FCR (P=0.002), resulting in no change in plasma apoA-I. There was a 71% increase in the apoA-II production rate (P<0.0001) accompanied by a 25% increase in the FCR (P<0.0001), resulting in a significant increase in plasma apoA-II. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of PPAR-alpha with LY518674 (100 microg) in subjects with metabolic syndrome and low HDL-C increased the VLDL apoB-100 FCR consistent with enhanced lipolysis of plasma triglyceride. Significant increases in the apoA-I and apoA-II production rates were accompanied by increased FCRs resulting in no change in HDL-C levels. These data indicate a major effect of LY518674 on the production and clearance of apoA-I and HDL despite no change in the plasma concentration. The effect of these changes on reverse cholesterol transport remains to be determined.

Effects of a potent and selective PPAR-alpha agonist in patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia or hypercholesterolemia: two randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Fibrates are weak agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha). No trials have reported effects of more potent and selective agents. OBJECTIVES: To examine the safety and efficacy of LY518674, a PPAR-alpha agonist. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: 1 in patients with elevated triglycerides and low HDL-C (atherogenic dyslipidemia), the other in patients with elevated LDL-C (hypercholesterolemia). Between August 2005 and August 2006, the dyslipidemia study randomized 309 patients at US centers; the hypercholesterolemia study, 304 patients. INTERVENTIONS: Dyslipidemia study: placebo, fenofibrate (200 mg), or LY518674 (10, 25, 50, or 100 microg) for 12 weeks. Hypercholesterolemia study: placebo or atorvastatin (10 or 40 mg) for 4 weeks, then placebo or LY518674 (10 or 50 microg) for 12 more weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dyslipidemia study: percentage change in levels of HDL-C and triglycerides. Hypercholesterolemia study: percentage change in levels of LDL-C. RESULTS: Dyslipidemia study: LY518674 (25 mug) and fenofibrate increased HDL-C by 5.9 and 5.5 mg/dL (15.8% and 14.4%) (both P< or =.001 vs placebo, P = .79 between treatments). Higher LY518674 doses yielded smaller increases. LY518674 decreased triglycerides by 97.3 to 114.5 mg/dL (34.9% to 41.7%) but was similar to fenofibrate. LY518674 produced a dose-dependent increase in LDL-C, reaching 20.4 mg/dL (19.5%) for the 100-mug dose vs 0.3 mg/dL (2.3%) for fenofibrate (P< or =.01). Fenofibrate and LY518674 (50 microg and 100 microg) increased serum creatinine (P< or =.001 vs placebo), with 38% and 37.3% of patients exceeding the normal range. Fenofibrate, but not LY518674, increased creatine phosphokinase (P = .004 vs placebo). Hypercholesterolemia study: LY518674 (10 mug or 50 microg) decreased LDL-C by 21.4 to 26.0 mg/dL (13.2%-15.8%) and triglycerides approximately 37% for both doses, and increased HDL-C by 6.3 to 6.7 mg/dL (12.5%-15.0%). When added to atorvastatin, LY518674 changed HDL-C by -0.7 to 6.2 mg/dL (-0.6% to 11.9%) and significantly decreased triglycerides but had no additional effect on LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with dyslipidemia, LY518674 and fenofibrate decreased triglycerides and increased HDL-C but also increased serum creatinine. LY518674, but not fenofibrate, increased LDL-C. In those with hypercholesterolemia, LY518674 reduced triglycerides and increased HDL-C, but did not further reduce LDL-C in combination with atorvastatin. Fenofibrate and LY518674 both raised safety concerns. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00133380 and NCT00116519

Relating glucose clamp profiles to reduction of blood glucose after insulin administration.

A model was established allowing prediction of blood glucose response from glucose clamp results performed in healthy volunteers. Data from published studies performed in healthy volunteers were used to establish, test, and validate a model for the evaluation of glucose reductions from glucose clamp results. Studies included those that measured blood glucose and glucodynamic response over time after administration of 0.05 U/kg of regular human insulin (HR) and insulin lispro (LP) with and without the benefit of a glucose clamp procedure. An inhibitory effect E(max) model was used to describe the relationship; the model differed between the HR and LP responses by the intensity of the counterregulatory response as assessed by glucagon measurements. The relationships were used to predict blood glucose responses from a clamp study assessing NPH insulin and HR administrations. Glucose concentrations measured after administration of NPH insulin and HR without a clamp were compared to the model-predicted results to assess the accuracy of the model predictions. The E(max) model successfully correlated the glucose clamp results with the blood glucose depressions in the presence and absence of a counterregulatory response. However, predictions of glucose depression were only accurately modeled in the absence of a counterregulatory glucagon response. The correlations established with a minimal counterregulatory response underscore the value of glucose clamp procedures in defining the time-activity profiles of insulins when the clamp is established at fasting glucose concentrations.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics and glucodynamics of the novel, long-acting basal insulin LY2605541 in healthy subjects.

LY2605541 is a novel basal insulin analog with a prolonged duration of action. Two Phase I studies assessed LY2605541 pharmacokinetics (PK), glucodynamics (GD), and tolerability in healthy subjects. In Study 1, 33 subjects received single subcutaneous (SC) doses of LY2605541 (0.01-2.22 U/kg) and insulin glargine (0.5-0.8 U/kg) followed by euglycemic clamp for up to 24-36 hours. In Study 2, absolute bioavailability of SC LY2605541 was assessed in 8 subjects by comparing dose normalized area under concentration versus time curve of SC against IV administration. Time-to-maximum plasma concentration (medians) and geometric means for half-life (t½ ) and apparent clearance, respectively, ranged from 18.0 to 42.0 hours, 24.4-45.5 hours, and 1.8-2.8 L/h for SC LY2605541, versus 10.0-12.0 hours, 12.2-14.9 hours, and 51.4-65.2 L/h for SC insulin glargine. LY2605541 glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles were sustained for ≥36 hours versus glargine GIR profiles, which waned at 24 hours. After IV administration, LY2605541's geometric mean t½ was 2.3 hours. LY2605541 intra-subject variability (CV%) was <18% for PK and <32% for GD parameters. The most common adverse events were related to study procedures and were mild-moderate in severity. These results established a well-tolerated baseline dose for LY2605541 with a relatively flat PK profile and low intra-subject variability.

Better glycemic control and weight loss with the novel long-acting basal insulin LY2605541 compared with insulin glargine in type 1 diabetes: a randomized, crossover study.

OBJECTIVE To compare effects of LY2605541 versus insulin glargine on daily mean blood glucose as part of a basal-bolus regimen for type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this randomized, Phase 2, open-label, 2 × 2 crossover study, 137 patients received once-daily basal insulin (LY2605541 or glargine) plus mealtime insulin for 8 weeks, followed by crossover treatment for 8 weeks. Daily mean blood glucose was obtained from 8-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles. The noninferiority margin was 10.8 mg/dL. RESULTS LY2605541 met noninferiority and superiority criteria compared with insulin glargine in daily mean blood glucose (144.2 vs. 151.7 mg/dL, least squares mean difference = -9.9 mg/dL [90% CI -14.6 to -5.2], P < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose variability and A1C were reduced with LY2605541 compared with insulin glargine (both P < 0.001). Mealtime insulin dose decreased with LY2605541 and increased with insulin glargine. Mean weight decreased 1.2 kg with LY2605541 and increased 0.7 kg with insulin glargine (P < 0.001). The total hypoglycemia rate was higher for LY2605541 (P = 0.04) and the nocturnal hypoglycemia rate was lower (P = 0.01), compared with insulin glargine. Adverse events (including severe hypoglycemia) were similar, although more gastrointestinal-related events occurred with LY2605541 (15% vs. 4%, P < 0.001). Mean changes (all within normal range) were higher for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol and lower for HDL-cholesterol with LY2605541 compared with insulin glargine (all P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In type 1 diabetes, compared with insulin glargine, LY2605541, a novel, long-acting basal insulin, demonstrated greater improvements in glycemic control, increased total hypoglycemia, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycemia, as well as reduced weight and lowered mealtime insulin doses.

A randomized, controlled study of once-daily LY2605541, a novel long-acting basal insulin, versus insulin glargine in basal insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether LY2605541 results in lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) versus insulin glargine (GL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This 12-week, randomized, open-label, Phase 2 study enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A(1c) [A1C] ≤ 10.5%), taking metformin and/or sulfonylurea with GL or NPH insulin once daily. Patients converted to morning insulin administration during lead-in were randomized 2:1 from GL (n = 248) or NPH insulin (n = 39) to LY2605541 (n = 195) or GL (n = 95) once daily in the morning. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, FBG (mean ± SE) was similar with LY2605541 and GL (118.2 ± 2.0 mg/dL [6.6 ± 0.1 mmol/L] vs. 116.9 ± 2.7 mg/dL [6.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L], P = 0.433) as was A1C (7.0 ± 0.1 vs. 7.2 ± 0.1%, P = 0.279). Intraday blood glucose variability was reduced with LY2605541 (34.4 vs. 39.1 mg/dL [1.9 vs. 2.2 mmol/L], P = 0.031). LY2605541 patients had weight loss (-0.6 ± 0.2 kg, P = 0.007), whereas GL patients gained weight (0.3 ± 0.2 kg, P = 0.662; treatment difference: -0.8 kg, P = 0.001). The incidence and rate of both total hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia were comparable between LY2605541 and GL, although, LY2605541 had a 48% reduction in nocturnal hypoglycemia after adjusting for baseline hypoglycemia (P = 0.021). Adverse events were similar across treatments. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase remained within normal range but were significantly higher with LY2605541 (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes, LY2605541 and GL had comparable glucose control and total hypoglycemia rates, but LY2605541 showed reduced intraday variability, lower nocturnal hypoglycemia, and weight loss relative to GL.