Rationale and design of the phase 3a development programme (ONWARDS 1-6 trials) investigating once-weekly insulin icodec in diabetes.

AIM: To describe the phase 3a ONWARDS clinical development programme investigating insulin icodec (icodec), a once-weekly basal insulin, including the design and rationale for each of the ONWARDS 1-6 trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six randomized controlled trials have been initiated in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (insulin-naive: ONWARDS 1, 3 and 5; previously insulin-treated: ONWARDS 2 and 4) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) (ONWARDS 6). Each trial will investigate icodec use in a unique clinical scenario, with consideration of long-term safety and varied comparator treatments (insulin glargine U100 or U300 or insulin degludec). ONWARDS 5 will incorporate real-world elements and a digital dose titration solution to guide icodec dosing. The primary objective for each of the trials is to compare the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26 or week 52 between icodec and comparator arms. Secondary objectives include investigating other glycaemic control and safety parameters, such as fasting glucose, time in glycaemic range and hypoglycaemia. Patient-reported outcomes will assess treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The ONWARDS 1-6 trials will evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly icodec compared with currently available daily basal insulin analogues in T2D and T1D. These trials will generate comprehensive evidence of icodec use in diverse populations across the spectrum of diabetes progression and treatment experience.

Once-Weekly Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes without Previous Insulin Treatment.

BACKGROUND: It is thought that a reduction in the frequency of basal insulin injections might facilitate treatment acceptance and adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin icodec is a basal insulin analogue designed for once-weekly administration that is in development for the treatment of diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a 26-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 2 trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly insulin icodec as compared with once-daily insulin glargine U100 in patients who had not previously received long-term insulin treatment and whose type 2 diabetes was inadequately controlled (glycated hemoglobin level, 7.0 to 9.5%) while taking metformin with or without a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor. The primary end point was the change in glycated hemoglobin level from baseline to week 26. Safety end points, including episodes of hypoglycemia and insulin-related adverse events, were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 247 participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive icodec or glargine. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups; the mean baseline glycated hemoglobin level was 8.09% in the icodec group and 7.96% in the glargine group. The estimated mean change from baseline in the glycated hemoglobin level was -1.33 percentage points in the icodec group and -1.15 percentage points in the glargine group, to estimated means of 6.69% and 6.87%, respectively, at week 26; the estimated between-group difference in the change from baseline was -0.18 percentage points (95% CI, -0.38 to 0.02, P = 0.08). The observed rates of hypoglycemia with severity of level 2 (blood glucose level, <54 mg per deciliter) or level 3 (severe cognitive impairment) were low (icodec group, 0.53 events per patient-year; glargine group, 0.46 events per patient-year; estimated rate ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.65). There was no between-group difference in insulin-related key adverse events, and rates of hypersensitivity and injection-site reactions were low. Most adverse events were mild, and no serious events were deemed to be related to the trial medications. CONCLUSIONS: Once-weekly treatment with insulin icodec had glucose-lowering efficacy and a safety profile similar to those of once-daily insulin glargine U100 in patients with type 2 diabetes. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; NN1436-4383 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03751657.).

Superior efficacy of insulin degludec/liraglutide versus insulin glargine U100 as add-on to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor therapy: A randomized clinical trial in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus insulin glargine 100 units/mL (IGlar U100) as add-on to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this 26-week, phase IIIb, open-label, parallel-group, treat-to-target trial, conducted at 74 sites in 11 countries, insulin-naïve people aged ≥18 years with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 53-97 mmol/mol (7.0-11.0%), body mass index 20-40 kg/m2 and inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) on SGLT2 inhibitor ± oral antidiabetic drugs were randomized 1:1 to once-daily IDegLira or IGlar U100, both as add-on to existing therapy. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26. RESULTS: A total of 210 participants were randomized to each treatment arm. Mean HbA1c reductions were 21 mmol/mol (1.9%-points) with IDegLira and 18 mmol/mol (1.7%-points) with IGlar U100; confirming non-inferiority (P < 0.0001) and superiority of IDegLira (difference in HbA1c change -3.90 mmol/mol; 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.45; -2.35 (-0.36%-points; 95% CI -0.50, -0.21)). Superiority for IDegLira over IGlar U100 was also confirmed for: body weight (difference -1.92 kg; 95% CI -2.64, -1.19); severe or blood-glucose-confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia (rate ratio 0.42; 95% CI 0.23, 0.75); total daily insulin dose (difference -15.37 U; 95% CI -19.60, -11.13). The overall treatment-emergent adverse event rate was higher with IDegLira as a result of higher increased lipase and nausea rates. CONCLUSIONS: The favourable safety and efficacy profile of IDegLira in people with uncontrolled T2D on SGLT2 inhibitors, and lower weight gain and hypoglycaemia risk versus IGlar U100, suggest that clinicians should consider IDegLira initiation in this population.

A Fixed Ratio Combination of Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide (IDegLira) Reduces Glycemic Fluctuation and Brings More Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Within Blood Glucose Target Ranges.

BACKGROUND: Reducing glycemic fluctuation is important for optimal diabetes management. This post hoc analysis examined glycemic fluctuations and the proportion of subjects achieving recommended blood glucose targets with the fixed ratio combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) compared to insulin degludec (IDeg) and liraglutide alone. METHODS: We analyzed nine-point self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) profiles from two randomized trials involving IDegLira in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from a subset of patients in one of these trials to assess glycemic fluctuation and day-to-day variability. RESULTS: Compared with IDeg, IDegLira resulted in a greater proportion of subjects with SMBG values within target ranges (3.9-9.0 mmol/L) than IDeg for all pre- and postprandial values, and for the full nine-point profile (P < 0.05 for all). IDegLira also resulted in a greater reduction in the range of SMBG values over 24 h than IDeg (P ≤ 0.0001). CGM data showed that IDegLira provided greater reductions in interstitial glucose (IG) fluctuation (P = 0.0018) and postprandial IG increment (P = 0.0288) compared with IDeg. Compared with liraglutide, IDegLira brought a higher proportion of subjects within SMBG target ranges (all pre- and all postprandial values, and the full nine-point profile, P < 0.01 for all) and resulted in a greater reduction of time outside the IG target range (P = 0.0072). IDegLira also reduced mean IG more than liraglutide (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with IDegLira allows more patients with T2D to maintain blood glucose within target ranges throughout the day than either IDeg or liraglutide alone.

Efficacy and Safety of IDegLira in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes in India Uncontrolled on Oral Antidiabetic Drugs and Basal Insulin: Data from the DUAL Clinical Trial Program.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) has been evaluated in the Dual Action of Liraglutide and Insulin Degludec in Type 2 Diabetes (DUAL) phase 3 clinical trial program. In this post hoc analysis, we compared the efficacy and safety of IDegLira in the Indian subpopulation with the results from the global trial population of DUAL trials. The analysis includes participants uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) in DUAL I and DUAL IV and participants uncontrolled on basal insulin and OADs in DUAL II. METHODS: Three phase 3 trials were included in the analysis: DUAL I extension (IDegLira vs. insulin degludec or liraglutide 1.8 mg in participants uncontrolled on metformin ± pioglitazone; 52 weeks; n = 1663), DUAL IV (IDegLira vs. placebo as an add-on to a regimen of sulfonylurea ± metformin; 26 weeks; n = 435) and DUAL II (IDegLira vs. insulin degludec in participants uncontrolled on basal insulin + OADs; 26 weeks; n = 398). There were 251, 64 and 64 participants, respectively, at the Indian sites. RESULTS: In the Indian subpopulations, the reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with IDegLira were substantial [DUAL I: 1.96% (-21 mmol/mol); DUAL IV: -1.40% (-15 mmol/mol); DUAL II: -2.20% (-24 mmol/mol)] and significantly greater than those in the comparators in each trial. IDegLira was generally weight-neutral after the administration of OADs (-0.3 and +0.6 kg in DUAL I and DUAL IV) and resulted in weight loss after the administration of basal insulin (-2.1 kg in DUAL II). Hypoglycemia rates were 1.98, 1.08 and 0.37 events/patient-years of exposure (PYE) for IDegLira, insulin degludec and liraglutide in DUAL I, 4.06 and 0.36 events/PYE for IDegLira and placebo in DUAL IV and 1.16 and 0.83 events/PYE with IDegLira and insulin degludec in DUAL II. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the Indian subpopulations reflect those of the global study populations, supporting IDegLira as an effective and safe treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on OADs or basal insulin + OADs in the South Asian population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01336023 (DUAL I), NCT01392573 (DUAL II), NCT01618162 (DUAL IV). FUNDING: Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

Is the ICH score a valid predictor of mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage?

PURPOSE: The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score utilizes a 0- to 6-point scoring system to predict 30-day mortality in ICH patients. The purpose of this analysis was to (a) validate the ICH score in an international, heterogeneous population of ICH patients; and (b) assess the usefulness of a 72-h ICH score. DATA SOURCES: Analyses were based on data from 399 patients in the Novo Nordisk trial F7ICH-1371. The ICH score's ability to predict mortality was determined by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV). CONCLUSIONS: Both the baseline and 72-h ICH score had high specificity but low sensitivity resulting in an overall PPV of 57%-76%. Specificity of the ICH score was higher in the baseline ICH score (95%) as compared to the 72-h score (89%). Sensitivity of the ICH score was higher in the 72-h ICH score (75%) as compared to the baseline score (36%). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The baseline ICH score provides reasonable PPV while the 72-h score provides higher sensitivity. ICH scores obtained at baseline and/or 72 h are valid and may help practitioners to more accurately predict 30-day mortality in ICH patients.

The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec given in variable once-daily dosing intervals compared with insulin glargine and insulin degludec dosed at the same time daily: a 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, treat-to-target trial in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The requirement to inject current basal insulin analogs at a fixed time each day may complicate adherence and compromise glycemic control. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of varying the daily injection time of insulin degludec (IDeg), an ultra-long-acting basal insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This 26-week, open-label, treat-to-target trial enrolled adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes who were either insulin naïve and receiving oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) (HbA(1c) = 7-11%) or previously on basal insulin ± OAD(s) (HbA(1c) = 7-10%). Participants were randomized to 1) once-daily (OD) IDeg in a prespecified dosing schedule, creating 8-40-h intervals between injections (IDeg OD Flex; n = 229); 2) once-daily IDeg at the main evening meal (IDeg OD; n = 228); or 3) once-daily insulin glargine at the same time each day (IGlar OD; n = 230). The primary outcome was noninferiority of IDeg OD Flex to IGlar OD in HbA(1c) reduction after 26 weeks. RESULTS: After 26 weeks, IDeg OD Flex, IDeg OD, and IGlar OD improved HbA(1c) by 1.28, 1.07, and 1.26% points, respectively (estimated treatment difference [IDeg OD Flex - IGlar OD]: 0.04% points [-0.12 to 0.20], confirming noninferiority). No statistically significant differences in overall or nocturnal hypoglycemia were found between IDeg OD Flex and IGlar OD. Comparable glycemic control and rates of hypoglycemia were seen with IDeg OD Flex and IDeg OD. Adverse event profiles were similar across groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of extreme dosing intervals of 8-40 h demonstrates that the daily injection time of IDeg can be varied without compromising glycemic control or safety.

Can a subset of intracerebral hemorrhage patients benefit from hemostatic therapy with recombinant activated factor VII?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the Factor Seven for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke (FAST) trial, 80 microg/kg of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) significantly reduced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) expansion when given within 4 hours of onset. However, in contrast to an earlier Phase 2b study, rFVIIa did not improve survival or functional outcome. In this exploratory analysis, we hypothesized that earlier treatment and exclusion of patients with a poor prognosis at baseline might enhance the benefit of rFVIIa treatment. METHODS: Using the FAST data set, the impact of rFVIIa (80 microg/kg) on poor outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Score of 5 or 6) was systematically evaluated within subgroups using clinically meaningful cut points in onset-to-treatment time, age, and baseline ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage volume. The effect of treatment on outcome was analyzed using logistic regression, and ICH volume was analyzed with linear mixed models. RESULTS: A subgroup (n=160, 19% of the FAST population) was identified comprising patients

Efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII for acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage is the least treatable form of stroke. We performed this phase 3 trial to confirm a previous study in which recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) reduced growth of the hematoma and improved survival and functional outcomes. METHODS: We randomly assigned 841 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage to receive placebo (268 patients), 20 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram of body weight (276 patients), or 80 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram (297 patients) within 4 hours after the onset of stroke. The primary end point was poor outcome, defined as severe disability or death according to the modified Rankin scale 90 days after the stroke. RESULTS: Treatment with 80 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram resulted in a significant reduction in growth in volume of the hemorrhage. The mean estimated increase in volume of the intracerebral hemorrhage at 24 hours was 26% in the placebo group, as compared with 18% in the group receiving 20 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram (P=0.09) and 11% in the group receiving 80 microg (P<0.001). The growth in volume of intracerebral hemorrhage was reduced by 2.6 ml (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.3 to 5.5; P=0.08) in the group receiving 20 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram and by 3.8 ml (95% CI, 0.9 to 6.7; P=0.009) in the group receiving 80 microg, as compared with the placebo group. Despite this reduction in bleeding, there was no significant difference among the three groups in the proportion of patients with poor clinical outcome (24% in the placebo group, 26% in the group receiving 20 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram, and 29% in the group receiving 80 microg). The overall frequency of thromboembolic serious adverse events was similar in the three groups; however, arterial events were more frequent in the group receiving 80 microg of rFVIIa than in the placebo group (9% vs. 4%, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Hemostatic therapy with rFVIIa reduced growth of the hematoma but did not improve survival or functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00127283 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).

Dynamics of intraventricular hemorrhage in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: risk factors, clinical impact, and effect of hemostatic therapy with recombinant activated factor VII.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictors of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and IVH growth, impact of IVH growth on outcome, and impact of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: We analyzed 374 patients out of 399 who were randomized to rFVIIa (40, 80, or 160 mug/kg) or placebo for ICH (diagnosed within 3 h of symptoms). Risk factors for IVH growth (>2 ml increase in IVH volume at 24 h), and death or severe disability (modified Rankin scale score 4-6) at 3 months were identified (logistic regression). RESULTS: IVH was present in 38% (n = 141) of patients at baseline and 45% (n = 169) by 24 hours. IVH growth, by 24 hours, occurred in 17 and 10% of placebo- and rFVIIa-treated patients, respectively (P = 0.037). Risk factors for IVH growth included baseline mean arterial pressure greater than 120 mmHg, larger baseline ICH volume, IVH present at baseline, shorter time from symptom onset to baseline computed tomographic scan, and treatment (rFVIIa versus placebo) (all, P < or = 0.037). Predictors of death or severe disability included older age, lower baseline Glasgow Coma Score, larger baseline ICH volume, IVH growth greater than 2 ml, IVH present at baseline or 24 hours, and treatment (rFVIIa versus placebo) (all, P < or = 0.0405). CONCLUSION: Presence of IVH at any time and early IVH growth worsen clinical outcome and increase mortality. Elevated mean arterial pressure at baseline may be a modifiable risk factor for IVH growth. Beneficial effects of rFVIIa on ICH outcome may be mediated, at least in part, by reducing IVH growth.

Prevalence, severity and determinants of asthma in Danish five-year-olds.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and wheeze is increasing. AIM: To study the annual and cumulative prevalence of asthma and wheeze in 5-y-old Danish children. METHODS: We obtained data on 3052 (82.0% of eligible) Danish children by a postal parental questionnaire including ISAAC questions regarding respiratory symptoms and our own questions on sociodemography and tobacco exposure. RESULTS: "Wheeze ever" was reported in 38.3%, "doctor-diagnosed asthma ever" in 10.5%, "childhood bronchitis ever" in 30.0%, "current wheeze" (<12 mo) in 19.7%, and being "severe" (>3 episodes) in 3.9% of the children. Current wheeze was associated with male gender (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.35-1.96), low parental post-primary education (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.63 for <3 y vs > or =3 y) and current maternal smoking (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.39-2.04). "Severe current wheeze" was recognized as asthma in six and childhood bronchitis in three of 10 cases. Nearly all diagnosed asthmatics had suffered wheeze, two-thirds recently. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of asthma and wheeze in Danish late-preschool children, associated with male gender, current maternal tobacco smoking and low parental post-primary education. The majority of children with current wheeze had an early onset, and severe early symptoms tended to persist. Used with consideration, the label "childhood bronchitis" seems purposeful.

Recombinant activated factor VII for acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage is the least treatable form of stroke and is associated with high mortality. Among patients who undergo computed tomography (CT) within three hours after the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage, one third have an increase in the volume of the hematoma related to subsequent bleeding. We sought to determine whether recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) can reduce hematoma growth after intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: We randomly assigned 399 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage diagnosed by CT within three hours after onset to receive placebo (96 patients) or 40 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram of body weight (108 patients), 80 microg per kilogram (92 patients), or 160 microg per kilogram (103 patients) within one hour after the baseline scan. The primary outcome measure was the percent change in the volume of the intracerebral hemorrhage at 24 hours. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 90 days. RESULTS: Hematoma volume increased more in the placebo group than in the rFVIIa groups. The mean increase was 29 percent in the placebo group, as compared with 16 percent, 14 percent, and 11 percent in the groups given 40 microg, 80 microg, and 160 microg of rFVIIa per kilogram, respectively (P=0.01 for the comparison of the three rFVIIa groups with the placebo group). Growth in the volume of intracerebral hemorrhage was reduced by 3.3 ml, 4.5 ml, and 5.8 ml in the three treatment groups, as compared with that in the placebo group (P=0.01). Sixty-nine percent of placebo-treated patients died or were severely disabled (as defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6), as compared with 55 percent, 49 percent, and 54 percent of the patients who were given 40, 80, and 160 microg of rFVIIa, respectively (P=0.004 for the comparison of the three rFVIIa groups with the placebo group). Mortality at 90 days was 29 percent for patients who received placebo, as compared with 18 percent in the three rFVIIa groups combined (P=0.02). Serious thromboembolic adverse events, mainly myocardial or cerebral infarction, occurred in 7 percent of rFVIIa-treated patients, as compared with 2 percent of those given placebo (P=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with rFVIIa within four hours after the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage limits the growth of the hematoma, reduces mortality, and improves functional outcomes at 90 days, despite a small increase in the frequency of thromboembolic adverse events.

Postprandial glycemic control with biphasic insulin aspart in patients with type 1 diabetes.

We sought to investigate the ability of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) to control postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in a meal-test comparison with biphasic human insulin 30 (BHI 30). In this randomised crossover trial, 50 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean age, 35.7 +/- 9.4 years; body mass index [BMI], 24.0 +/- 2.6 kg/m(2); HbA(1c), 8.6% +/- 1.1%) were studied on 3 separate days, where the following treatments were given in random order: BIAsp 30 injected immediately before a standard breakfast, BHI 30 injected 30 minutes before breakfast (BHI 30(t=-30)), and BHI 30 injected immediately before breakfast (BHI 30(t=0)). The dose was 0.40 U/kg for all 3 treatments. BIAsp 30 reduced the area under the baseline adjusted 4-hour postprandial serum glucose curve (AUC(0-4h)) by 23% compared with BHI 30(t=0) (P <.0001) and by 9% compared with BHI 30(t=-30) (P =.013). Maximum serum glucose concentration (C(max)) was lower for BIAsp 30 compared with BHI 30(t=0) (14.0 +/- 2.4 v 16.5 +/- 2.8 mmol/L, P <.0001), and time to maximal serum glucose concentration (t(max)) was approximately 20 minutes shorter for BIAsp 30, irrespective of timing of BHI 30 injection (P <.0001). There were no significant differences among the 3 treatments with respect to postprandial levels of free fatty acids or triglycerides. The pharmacokinetic results were consistent with the above observations, ie, significantly larger insulin AUC(0-4h), higher C(max) and shorter t(max) were observed for BIAsp 30 compared with BHI 30, irrespective of timing of BHI 30 injection. We conclude that postprandial glycemic control was more effective with BIAsp 30 than with BHI 30, irrespective of timing of BHI 30 injection.