Pharmacodynamic differences between canagliflozin and dapagliflozin: results of a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

Targeting Glucosylceramide Synthase: Innovative Drug Repurposing Strategies for Lysosomal Diseases

Sphingolipidoses, a subgroup of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), are rare and debilitating disorders caused by defects in sphingolipid metabolism. Despite advancements in treatment, therapeutic options remain limited. Miglustat, a glucosylceramide synthase EC 2.4.1.80 (GCS) inhibitor, is one of the few available pharmacological treatments; however, it is associated with significant adverse effects that impact patients' quality of life. Drug repurposing offers a promising strategy to identify new therapeutic agents from approved drugs, expanding treatment options for rare diseases with limited therapeutic alternatives. This study aims to identify potential alternative inhibitors of GCS through a drug-repurposing approach, using computational and experimental methods to assess their therapeutic potential for sphingolipidoses. A library of approved drugs was screened using advanced computational techniques, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and metadynamics, to identify potential GCS inhibitors. Promising candidates were selected for further in vitro validation to evaluate their inhibitory activity and potential as therapeutic alternatives to Miglustat. Computational screening identified several potential GCS inhibitors, with Dapagliflozin emerging as the most promising candidate. Experimental validation confirmed its efficacy, revealing a complementary mechanism of action to Miglustat while potentially offering a more favorable side effect profile. This study underscores the utility of computational and experimental methodologies in drug repurposing for rare diseases. The identification of Dapagliflozin as a potential GCS inhibitor provides a foundation for further preclinical and clinical evaluation, supporting its potential application in the treatment of sphingolipidoses.

The effect of Mankai plant consumption on postprandial glycaemic response among patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized crossover trial

AIM

To explore the effect of Mankai, a cultivated aquatic duckweed green plant, on postprandial glucose (PG) excursions in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

In a 4-week, randomized crossover-controlled trial, we enrolled 45 adults with T2D (HbA1c range: 6.5%-8.5%) from two sites in Israel. Participants were randomized to drink Mankai (200 mL of raw-fresh-aquatic plant + 100 mL of water, 40 kcal, ~10 g of dry matter equivalent) or water (300 mL) following dinner, for 2 weeks each, with a 4-day washout interval, without dietary, physical activity or pharmacotherapy alterations. We used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices.

RESULTS

Forty patients (adherence rate = 88.5%; 743 person-intervention-days, 68.9% men, age = 64 years, HbA1c = 6.8%) completed the study with a consistent diet and complete CGM reads. Only two-thirds of the individuals responded beneficially to Mankai. Overall, Mankai significantly lowered the PG peak by 19.3% (∆peak = 24.3 ± 16.8 vs. 30.1 ± 18.5 mg/dL; P < .001) and delayed the time-to-peak by 20.0% (112.5 [interquartile range: 75-135] vs. 90 [60-105] min; P < .001) compared with water. The PG incline and decline slopes were shallower following postdinner Mankai (incline slope: 16.8 vs. water: 29.9 mg/[dL h]; P < .001; decline slope: -6.1 vs. water: -7.9 mg/[dL h]; P < .01). Mean postprandial net incremental area-under-the-glucose-curve was lowered by 20.1% with Mankai compared with water (P = .03). Results were consistent across several sensitivity and subgroup analyses, including across antidiabetic pharmacotherapy treatment groups. Within 2 weeks, the triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in the Mankai group (-0.5 ± 1.3) decreased versus water (+0.3 ± 1.5, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mankai consumption may mitigate the PG response in people with T2D with an ~20% improvement in glycaemic values. These findings provide case-study evidence for plant-based treatments in T2D to complement a healthy lifestyle and pharmacotherapy.

Safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors drugs among heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce morbidity and mortality for heart failure (HF) patients and are recommended as cornerstones for their medical therapy. Utilization in clinical practice remains low for multiple reasons, one of which may be adverse events. We investigated the incidence of these events to see if they are associated with SGLT2i use. A systematic search was performed in databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Relevant randomized controlled trial studies assessing the safety outcomes of SGLT2i in HF patients were included in this study. We conducted the common-effect meta-analysis to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of safety outcomes in SGLT2i compared with placebo. Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis composed of 12 925 HF patients taking an SGLT2i and 12 747 taking a placebo. The meta-analysis indicated that the all-cause mortality and serious adverse events (SAEs) were lower in the SGLT2i group (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97; P = 0.005, I2 = 0%; and RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95; P < 0.001, I2 = 43%, respectively). Volume depletion and genitourinary infections were more prevalent in the SGLT2i group (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.28; P = 0.001, I2 = 0%; and RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13-1.43; P < 0.001, I2 = 17%, respectively). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that using SGLT2is in HF patients was correlated with reduced mortality and SAEs, with a more prominent effect in HF with reduced ejection fraction patients and those taking dapagliflozin.

Efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin vs. dapagliflozin as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on renal function: a pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

We assessed the efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin (0.3 mg), a newly developed SGLT-2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on kidney function via pooled analysis of two 24-week, randomized, double-blind phase III trials.

METHODS

Data from 470 patients were included (enavogliflozin: 0.3 mg/day, n = 235; dapagliflozin: 10 mg/day, n = 235). The subjects were classified by mildly reduced (60 ≤ eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m², n = 247) or normal eGFR (≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m², n = 223).

RESULTS

In the mildly reduced eGFR group, enavogliflozin significantly reduced the adjusted mean change of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels at week 24 compared to dapagliflozin (- 0.94% vs. -0.77%, P = 0.0196). Enavogliflozin exhibited a more pronounced glucose-lowering effect by HbA1c when combined with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors than that observed in their absence. Enavogliflozin showed potent blood glucose-lowering effects regardless of renal function. Conversely, dapagliflozin showed a significant decrease in the glucose-lowering efficacy as the renal function decreased. Enavogliflozin showed a higher urinary glucose excretion rate in both groups. The homeostatic model assessment showed that enavogliflozin markedly decreased the insulin resistance. The blood pressure, weight loss, or homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function values did not differ significantly between enavogliflozin and dapagliflozin. Adverse events were similar between both drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The glucose-lowering efficacy of enavogliflozin is superior to that of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with mild renal function impairment; this is attributed to its potent urinary glucose excretion-promoting ability. The emergence of new and potent SGLT-2 inhibitors is considered an attractive option for patients with inadequate glycemic control and decreased renal function.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable (pooled analysis).

Effect of pharmacological selectivity of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Pharmacological selectivity of these agents to SGLT2 over SGLT1 is highly variant, with unknown clinical relevance. Genetically reduced SGLT1-but not SGLT2-activity correlates with lower risk of heart failure and mortality, therefore additional non-selective SGLT1 inhibition might be beneficial. In this prespecified meta-analysis, we included 6 randomized, placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcome trials of SGLT2 inhibitors assessing MACE in 57,553 patients with T2DM. Mixed-effects meta-regression revealed that pharmacological selectivity of SGLT2 inhibitors (either as continuous or dichotomized variable) had no significant impact on most outcomes. However, lower SGLT2 selectivity correlated with significantly lower risk of stroke (pseudo-R2 = 78%; p = 0.011). Indeed, dual SGLT1/2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.94), unlike selective agents (p for interaction = 0.018). The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and genital infections was higher in both pharmacological groups versus placebo. However, hypotension occurred more often with non-selective SGLT2 inhibitors (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.20-2.92) compared with selective agents (p for interaction = 0.044). In conclusion, dual SGLT1/2 inhibition reduces stroke in high-risk T2DM patients but has limited additional effect on other clinical outcomes.

Long-term effects of ipragliflozin on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: insights from the randomized PROTECT trial

Although previous reports have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a blood pressure (BP) lowering effect, relevant long-term data is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin on BP, and associations between BP reduction and changes in cardiometabolic variables in diabetic patients. This was a sub-analysis of the PROTECT trial, a multicenter, randomized, open-label study to assess if ipragliflozin delays carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomized to ipragliflozin and control groups. The primary endpoint of the present sub-analysis was the trajectory of systolic BP over 24 months. Correlations between systolic BP changes and cardiometabolic variables were also evaluated. A total of 232 eligible participants with well-balanced baseline characteristics were included in each study group. Throughout the 24-month study period, mean systolic BP was lower in the ipragliflozin group. At 24 months, a between-group difference (ipragliflozin minus control) in mean systolic BP change from baseline was -3.6 mmHg (95% confidence interval, -6.2 to -1.0 mmHg), and the reduction in systolic BP in the ipragliflozin group was consistent across subgroups examined. Changes in systolic BP significantly correlated with those in body mass index in the ipragliflozin group, while no significant correlations with other cardiometabolic variables tested were observed. In conclusion, ipragliflozin treatment was associated with BP reduction throughout the 24-month follow-up period as compared to control treatment. BP reduction correlated with weight loss, which might be one of the mechanisms for the BP lowering effect of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Pharmacogenetics of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors: Validation of a sex-agnostic pharmacodynamic biomarker

AIM

To validate pharmacodynamic responses to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and test for association with genetic variants in SLC5A4, SLC5A9, and SLC2A9.

METHODS

Canagliflozin (300 mg), a SGLT2 inhibitor, was administered to 30 healthy volunteers. Several endpoints were measured to assess clinically relevant responses, including drug-induced increases in urinary excretion of glucose, sodium and uric acid.

RESULTS

This pilot study confirmed that canagliflozin (300 mg) triggered acute changes in mean levels of several biomarkers: fasting plasma glucose (-4.1 mg/dL; P = 6 × 10-5 ), serum creatinine (+0.05 mg/dL; P = 8 × 10-4 ) and serum uric acid (-0.90 mg/dL; P = 5 × 10-10 ). The effects of sex on glucosuria depended upon how data were normalized. Whereas males' responses were ~60% greater when data were normalized to body surface area, males and females exhibited similar responses when glucosuria was expressed as grams of urinary glucose per gram-creatinine. The magnitude of glucosuria was not significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate or age in those healthy individuals without diabetes with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of more than 60 mL/min/1.73m2 .

CONCLUSIONS

Normalizing data relative to creatinine excretion will facilitate including data from males and females in a single analysis. Furthermore, because our ongoing pharmacogenomic study (NCT02891954) is conducted in healthy individuals, this will facilitate detection of genetic associations with limited confounding by other factors such as HbA1c and renal function.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of the Intensification of Canagliflozin Dose from 100 mg to 300 mg Daily in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Real Life: The INTENSIFY Study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of intensifying the dose of canagliflozin from 100 mg/day (CANA100) to 300 mg/day (CANA300) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and suboptimal metabolic control in a real-world setting. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted on adult patients with T2DM who initiated treatment with CANA100 and subsequently required intensification to CANA300. The primary outcome measures were changes in HbA1c and weight at 6 months after the switch and at the end of the follow-up period. Results: A total of 317 patients met the inclusion criteria (59.6% male, mean age 62.2 years, baseline HbA1c 7.55%, weight 88.6 kg, median duration of treatment with CANA100 9.9 months). Switching to CANA300 resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c (6 months: -0.33%; last visit: -0.47%, both p < 0.0001) and weight (6 months: -1.8 kg; last visit: -2.9 kg, both p < 0.0001) over a median follow-up period of 20.8 months. The proportion of patients that achieved HbA1c < 7% increased from 26.7% with CANA100 to 51.6% with CANA300 (p < 0.0001). Among individuals with poor baseline glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%, mean 9.0%), HbA1c was significantly reduced by -1.24% (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure (BP), liver enzymes, and albuminuria. No unexpected adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Intensifying the treatment to CANA300 in a real-world setting resulted in further significant and clinically relevant reductions in FPG, HbA1c, weight, and BP in patients with T2DM. The switch was particularly effective in patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels.

Pharmacogenetics of SGLT2 Inhibitors: Validation of a sex-agnostic pharmacodynamic biomarker

Aim

SGLT2 inhibitors provide multiple benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes - including improved glycemic control and decreased risks of cardiorenal disease. Because drug responses vary among individuals, we initiated investigations to identify genetic variants associated with the magnitude of drug responses.

Methods

Canagliflozin (300 mg) was administered to 30 healthy volunteers. Several endpoints were measured to assess clinically relevant responses - including drug-induced increases in urinary excretion of glucose, sodium, and uric acid.

Results

This pilot study confirmed that canagliflozin (300 mg) triggered acute changes in mean levels of several biomarkers: fasting plasma glucose (-4.1 mg/dL; p=6x10), serum creatinine (+0.05 mg/dL; p=8×10 -4 ), and serum uric acid (-0.90 mg/dL; p=5×10 -10 ). The effects of sex on glucosuria depended upon how data were normalized. Whereas males' responses were ∼60% greater when data were normalized to body surface area, males and females exhibited similar responses when glucosuria was expressed as grams of urinary glucose per gram-creatinine. The magnitude of glucosuria was not significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose, estimated GFR, or age in these healthy non-diabetic individuals with estimated GFR>60 mL/min/1.73m 2 .

Conclusions

Normalizing data relative to creatinine excretion will facilitate including data from males and females in a single analysis. Furthermore, because our ongoing pharmacogenomic study ( NCT02891954 ) is conducted in healthy individuals, this will facilitate detection of genetic associations with limited confounding by other factors such as age and renal function.

Registration

NCT02462421 ( clinicaltrials.gov ).

Funding

Research grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: R21DK105401, R01DK108942, T32DK098107, and P30DK072488.

In-silico screening and identification of phytochemicals from Centella asiatica as potential inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 for treating diabetes

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) is a major transport protein responsible for reabsorption of glucose from the kidney back to the bloodstream. Inhibiting this protein effectively lowers the glucose level of diabetic patients; however, the use of synthetic SGLT-2 inhibitors has been linked to some serious adverse effects. There is a need to identify safer alternatives that are equally or more effective as the current inhibitor drugs. Phytochemicals are known for their efficacy as herbal remedies, but these molecules remain underexplored as source of therapeutic agents. In this study, we performed in silico screening to identify potential SGLT-2 inhibitors from the 21 phytochemicals from Centella asiatica. Docking results identified eleven compounds with estimated binding energies comparable to that of known inhibitors drugs. The stability of the complexes was then elucidated using 100 ns MD simulations. From our dynamic binding free energy calculations using MM/PBSA, asiaticoside, betulinic acid, centellasapogenol, methyl brahmate, and rutin exceeded at least one of the binding energies of the reference compounds, which highlights their strong affinity towards SGLT-2. Among the five, betulinic acid, centellasapogenol, and methyl brahmate maintained their structural stability to the same extent as the references and exhibited better oral bioavailability and excellent drug-like properties. Because of these results, it is recommended to prioritize betulinic acid, centellasapogenol, and methyl brahmate in future in vitro and in vivo studies to verify their potential as inhibitor drugs for diabetes therapies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin Attenuate Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes via Inhibition of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-1

Sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) are recently approved drugs for the treatment of diabetes that regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the proximal tubules of the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors have also shown cardiovascular (CV) benefits in diabetic patients. However, the therapeutic efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors with respect to CV disease needs further investigation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, canagliflozin (CANA) and dapagliflozin (DAPA) in vitro under glucolipotoxic condition by treating cultured cardiomyocytes (H9C2) with high glucose (HG) and high lipid, palmitic acid (PA), to investigate whether inhibition of sodium glucose cotransporter could prevent any harmful effects of glucolipotoxicity in these cells. SGLT1 expression was measured by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Oxidative stress and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Hypertrophy was measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and crystal violet staining. A significant increase in SGLT1 expression was observed in HG- and PA-treated cardiomyocytes. Also, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis was observed in HG+PA-treated cultured cardiomyocytes. HG- and PA-treated cardiomyocytes developed significant structural alterations. All these effects of HG and PA were attenuated by CANA and DAPA. In conclusion, our study demonstrates upregulation of SGLT1 induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes. Thus, inhibition of SGLT1 may be used as a possible approach for the treatment of CVD in diabetic patients.

Comparative Cardiovascular Outcomes of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the cardiovascular outcomes of all the kind and dosages of sodium-glucose cotransport-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHOD AND RESULT

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were systematically searched for studies to compare the therapeutic effects of different SGLT2 inhibitors in T2DM patients. The effect measurements estimate chosen were odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Forty-seven RCTs involving a total of 70574 participants were eligible for direct and indirect comparisons. In direct comparison, treatment with dapagliflozin 5mg showed significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with treatment with dapagliflozin 2.5mg (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.70). According to NMA, interestingly, empagliflozin 10mg/25mg, and canagliflozin 100mg was associated with significantly lower risks of all-cause mortality compared with placebo (OR of 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.85; 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.84; and 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.95, respectively). Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin 10mg, empagliflozin 10mg and 25mg displayed the lower risks for cardiovascular events (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.44-1.00; OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22-0.93; and 0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.74, respectively) by direct comparison. Moreover, canagliflozin 100/300mg showed significantly higher risks of cardiovascular events compared with empagliflozin 10mg (OR of 4.83, 95% CI 1.14-20.46 and 5.31, 95% CI 1.26-22.34, respectively) and empagliflozin 25mg (4.23, 95% CI 1.13-15.83 and 4.65, 95% CI 1.25-17.27, respectively) according to NMA. There were non-significant differences among all interventions in volume depletion in traditional pairwise meta-analysis. While in NMA, canagliflozin 100/300mg were associated with significantly increased risks of volume depletion compared with placebo (OR of 1.47, 95% CI 1.08-1.99 and 2.19, 95% CI 1.66-2.90, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In the limitations of the NMA, this study showed that empagliflozin might be better than other SGLT2 inhibitors with low risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM suggesting the need for ad hoc RCTs.

Differences in outcomes of hospitalizations for heart failure after SGLT2 inhibitor treatment: effect modification by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background

The treatment effects on hospitalization for heart failure (hHF) from sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may vary among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients depending on whether or not they have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). We aimed to examine differences in hHF outcomes after dapagliflozin or empagliflozin use between T2D patients with and without a history of established ASCVD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional cohort study in Taiwan. We included T2D patients newly receiving dapagliflozin or empagliflozin during 2016–2019, and followed them up until December 31, 2020. We implemented 1:1 propensity score matching to create homogenous groups for comparisons. We generated Cox proportional hazard models to compare the risk of hHF between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin (reference group). We included interaction terms of SGLT2 inhibitor and ASCVD history in the regression models to examine effect modification by ASCVD.

Results

We included a total cohort of 9,586 dapagliflozin new users and 9,586 matched empagliflozin new users. The overall hHF risks were similar for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin (HR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.74–1.09). However, differential hHF risks between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were observed only in the subgroup without ASCVD (HR: 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.90), while not in the subgroup with ASCVD (HR: 1.12, 95% 0.87–1.45), and the p-value for examining interaction was 0.0097.

Conclusion

In this study, history of established ASCVD was associated with different hHF risks among SGLT2 inhibitors. For T2D patients without ASCVD, dapagliflozin may offer a more favorable hHF reduction effect, compared to empagliflozin, in clinical practice. Future prospective studies should be conducted to validate our findings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01406-3.

Canagliflozin increases intestinal adenoma burden in female Apc Min/+ mice

The diabetes drug canagliflozin extends lifespan in male mice. Since malignant neoplasms are the major cause of death in most mouse strains, this observation suggests that canagliflozin might exert anti-neoplastic effects in male mice. Here, we treated a mouse neoplasia model, the adenoma-prone Apc Min/+ strain, with canagliflozin, to test the effects of this drug on intestinal tumor burden. Surprisingly, canagliflozin increased the total area of intestine involved by adenomas, an effect most marked in the distal intestine and in female mice. Immunohistochemical analysis suggested that canagliflozin may not influence adenoma growth via direct SGLT1/2 inhibition in neoplastic cells. Our results are most consistent with a model where canagliflozin aggravates adenoma development by altering the anatomic distribution of intestinal glucose absorption, as evidenced by increases in postprandial GLP-1 levels driven by delayed glucose absorption. We hypothesize that canagliflozin exacerbates adenomatosis in the Apc Min/+ model via complex, cell-non-autonomous mechanisms, and that sex differences in GLP-1 responses may in part underlie sexually dimorphic effects of this drug on lifespan.

Dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus - an update

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is a global health concern with a prevalence of 463 million people. Importantly, despite the availability of numerous antidiabetic medications, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. One particular drug of interest is dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is commonly used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

AREAS COVERED

This review outlines the current use and pharmacology of dapagliflozin, with a specific focus on recent evidence regarding benefits in patients with cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. The article includes an overview of the efficacy and safety of this drug and provides the reader with the expert opinion and perspectives of the authors.

EXPERT OPINION

Increasing evidence of the beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes and concurrent heart failure, acute MI and renal failure are likely to see the usage of dapagliflozin in patients with these comorbidities increase over the next 5 years.

Improved time in range and postprandial hyperglycemia with canagliflozin in combination with teneligliptin: Secondary analyses of the CALMER study

Aims/Introduction

We recently reported the beneficial effect of the combination of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor on daily glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additional favorable effects of combination therapy were explored in this secondary analysis.

Materials and Methods

The CALMER study was a multicenter, open‐label, prospective, randomized, parallel‐group comparison trial for type 2 diabetes mellitus involving continuous glucose monitoring under meal tolerance tests. Patients were randomly assigned to switch from teneligliptin to canagliflozin (SWITCH group) or to add canagliflozin to teneligliptin (COMB group). The continuous glucose monitoring metrics, including time in target range, were investigated.

Results

All 99 participants (mean age 62.3 years; mean glycated hemoglobin 7.4%) completed the trial. The time in target range was increased in the COMB group (71.2–82.7%, P < 0.001). The extent of the reduction in time above target range was significantly larger in the COMB group compared with the SWITCH group (−14.8% vs −7.5%, P < 0.01). Area under the curve values for glucose at 120 min after all meal tolerance tests were significantly decreased in the COMB group compared with the SWITCH group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor combined with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor improved the quality of glycemic variability and reduced postprandial hyperglycemia compared with each monotherapy.

Canagliflozin: metabolic, cardiovascular and renal protection

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are at risk of developing macrovascular (cardiac, cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial disease) and microvascular (nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy) complications. Glycemic control improves only microvascular outcomes. However, some SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP1-R agonists have proven beneficial in macrovascular conditions. Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that provides sustained reductions in HbA1c, blood pressure and weight. Remarkably, as CANVAS program and CREDENCE trial demonstrated, canagliflozin promotes significant reductions in the frequency of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, hospitalizations for heart failure and renal outcomes. In addition, real-world studies have confirmed the results of clinical trials in clinical practice. Therefore, canagliflozin should be considered a first-line therapy in the management of T2D patients in order to reduce both micro- and macrovascular complications.

Real-World Comparative Effectiveness of Canagliflozin Versus Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the United States

INTRODUCTION

While several sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there are no clinical trial data providing head-to-head comparisons of the efficacy and safety of these therapies. Real-world analyses can provide valuable evidence on the effectiveness of competing treatments. This study compared the real-world glycemic effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in individuals with T2DM.

METHODS

Patients who initiated canagliflozin 300 mg versus empagliflozin 25 mg or dapagliflozin 10 mg were identified from the Optum^® De-identified Clinformatics^® Extended Data Mart-Date of Death database and propensity score matched. Achievement of HbA1c < 8.0% (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set [HEDIS] target) and > 9.0% (HEDIS poor control) after 6 months of treatment was calculated.

RESULTS

Post-baseline HbA1c was similar in the canagliflozin and empagliflozin cohorts (7.65% versus 7.57%), as was percent of patients with HbA1c < 8.0% or > 9.0%. Post-baseline HbA1c was lower with canagliflozin versus dapagliflozin (7.58% versus 7.74%; P = 0.0247). The canagliflozin cohort was more likely to achieve HbA1c < 8.0% than the dapagliflozin cohort (P = 0.0292); the likelihood of achieving HbA1c > 9.0% was similar.

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2DM, HbA1c outcomes were similar with canagliflozin and empagliflozin. Patients on canagliflozin versus dapagliflozin were more likely to have a lower HbA1c and reach HbA1c < 8.0% after 6 months. These results may provide important information for clinicians as they decide the appropriate treatment for their patients with T2DM.

Effects and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors compared to placebo in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Heart failure (HF) prognosis without therapy is poor, however introduction of a range of drugs has improved it. We aimed to perform a systematic review on the effects and safety of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in HF patients.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SGLT2i compared to placebo for HF patients. We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE, with no language restriction, from inception to 31 August 2020. We included nine RCTs comprising three arms (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and placebo). Effects sizes for continuous variables were expressed as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Effects sizes for dichotomous variables were expresses as risk ratio (RR) and 95% CIs. We used random-effect models with the inverse variance method. We performed subgroup meta-analyses by intervention drug and follow-up period.

Results

SGLT2i significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR: 0.88, 95%CI 0.79-0.98, I2 = 0%), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.87, 95%CI 0.77-0.99, I2 = 0%), HF hospitalization (RR: 0.73, 95%CI 0.66-0.81, I2 = 0%) and emergency room visits due to HF (RR: 0.40, 95%CI 0.21-0.76, I2 = 0%), as well as composite outcomes including the previous ones. Besides, it significantly improved the score of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ, MD: 1.70, 95%CI 1.67-1.73, I2 = 54%). SGLT2i reduced any serious adverse events, blood pressure and weight. However, it increased hematocrit and creatinine. The meta-analysis of RCTs of > 12 weeks of follow-up showed that SGTL2i significantly reduced NT-proBNP.

Conclusions

SGLT2i showed to improve critical outcomes in HF patients, and it is apparently safe.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of single and multiple doses of janagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics, and tolerability of janagliflozin, a novel sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 36 people with T2DM were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive janagliflozin 25 mg, janagliflozin 50 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo. Participants received a single dose on day 1, and were treated once daily from day 4 to day 17.

RESULTS

Following oral administration, janagliflozin was rapidly absorbed, reaching C_max at 2 hours. The mean half-life (t_1/2 ) at steady state was approximately 21 to 23 hours. There was no significant accumulation with multiple doses (accumulation factor < 2). In participants treated with janagliflozin 25 mg, janagliflozin 50 mg, dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo, change in mean 24-hour urinary glucose excretion from baseline was 92.35, 94.17, 87.61 and 6.26 g after multiple doses, and change in mean fasting plasma glucose level from baseline to day 17 was -2.18, -2.66, -2.79 and 1.70%, respectively. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate with no deaths, serious AEs, or discontinuations due to AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Single and multiple oral administration (14 days) of janagliflozin 25 mg and 50 mg exhibited favourable PK, PD and tolerability profiles in Chinese people with T2DM, which were comparable to those of dapagliflozin 10 mg. Janagliflozin 25 mg and 50 mg are recommended for further clinical investigation.

Glucose Metabolism in the Kidney: Neurohormonal Activation and Heart Failure Development

The liver is not the exclusive site of glucose production in humans in the postabsorptive state. Robust data support that the kidney is capable of gluconeogenesis and studies have demonstrated that renal glucose production can increase systemic glucose production. The kidney has a role in maintaining glucose body balance, not only as an organ for gluconeogenesis but by using glucose as a metabolic substrate. The kidneys reabsorb filtered glucose through the sodium-glucose cotransporters sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2, which are localized on the brush border membrane of the early proximal tubule with immune detection of their expression in the tubularized Bowman capsule. In patients with diabetes mellitus, the renal maximum glucose reabsorptive capacity, and the threshold for glucose passage into the urine, are higher and contribute to the hyperglycemic state. The administration of SGLT2 inhibitors to patients with diabetes mellitus enhances sodium and glucose excretion, leading to a reduction of the glycosuria threshold and tubular maximal transport of glucose. The net effects of SGLT2 inhibition are to drive a reduction in plasma glucose levels, improving insulin secretion and sensitivity. The benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors goes beyond glycemic control, since inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption affects blood pressure and improves the hemodynamic profile and the tubule glomerular feedback. This action acts to rebalance the dense macula response by restoring adenosine production and restraining renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation. By improving renal and cardiovascular function, we explain the impressive reduction in adverse outcomes associated with heart failure supporting the current clinical perspective.

Expression of glucose transporters in duodenal mucosa of patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

A higher SGLT1 and GLUT2 gene expression was shown in the intestine of subjects with type 2 diabetes, while no data have been reported in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the expression of glucose transporters in duodenal mucosa of subjects with T1D, compared to healthy controls (CTRL) and to patients with celiac disease (CD), as gut inflammatory disease control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression of GLUT1, GLUT2, SGLT1 and SGLT2 was quantified on duodenal mucosa biopsies of subjects with T1D (n = 19), CD (n = 16), T1D and CD (n = 6) and CTRL (n = 12), recruited at San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy), between 2009 and 2018. SGLT2 expression was further evaluated by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The expression of all four glucose transporters was detected in duodenal mucosa of all groups. A reduced GLUT2, SGLT1 and SGLT2 expression was observed in CD in comparison with T1D and CTRL, as expected; GLUT1 was significantly more expressed in T1D compared to CTRL. SGLT2 expression was quantified at much lower levels than other transporters, with no differences between groups. SGLT2 expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in a restricted number of enterocytes lining in the mucosa of intestinal villi, also shown on immunofluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that glucose transporters expression in duodenal mucosa of subjects with T1D, except an increased GLUT1, is not different from that observed in healthy controls. The expression of SGLT2 in human duodenal mucosa, although at low intensity, represents a novel finding.

Mechanistic evaluation of the effect of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors on delayed glucose absorption in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a quantitative systems pharmacology model of human systemic glucose dynamics

Sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT) 2 is specifically expressed in the kidney, while SGLT1 is present in the kidneys and small intestine. SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of oral antidiabetic drugs that lower elevated plasma glucose levels by promoting the urinary excretion of excess glucose through the inhibition of renal glucose reuptake. The inhibition selectivity for SGLT2 over SGLT1 (SGLT2/1 selectivity) of marketed SGLT2 inhibitors is diverse, while SGLT2/1 selectivity of canagliflozin is relatively low. Although canagliflozin suppresses postprandial glucose levels, the degree of contribution for SGLT1 inhibition to this effect remains unproven. To analyze the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on postprandial glucose level, we constructed a novel quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model, called human systemic glucose dynamics (HSGD) model, integrating intestinal absorption, metabolism, and renal reabsorption of glucose. This HSGD model reproduced the postprandial plasma glucose concentration-time profiles during a meal tolerance test under different clinical trial conditions. Simulations after canagliflozin administration showed a dose-dependent delay of time (T_max,glc ) to reach maximum concentration of glucose (C_max,glc ), and the delay of T_max,glc disappeared when inhibition of SGLT1 was negated. In addition, contribution ratio of intestinal SGLT1 inhibition to the decrease in C_max,glc was estimated to be 23%-28%, when 100 and 300 mg of canagliflozin are administered. This HSGD model enabled us to provide the partial contribution of intestinal SGLT1 inhibition to the improvement of postprandial hyperglycemia as well as to quantitatively describe the plasma glucose dynamics following SGLT2 inhibitors.

Real-World Clinical Outcomes Associated with Canagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Spain: The Real-Wecan Study

The aims of this multicentric retrospective study were to assess in a real-world setting the effectiveness and safety of canagliflozin 100 mg/d (CANA100) as an add-on to the background antihyperglycemic therapy, and to evaluate the intensification of prior sodium–glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) therapy by switching to canagliflozin 300 mg/d (CANA300) in patients with T2DM. One cohort of SGLT2i-naïve patients with T2DM who were initiated on CANA100 and a second cohort of patients with prior background SGLT-2i therapy who switched to CANA300 were included in the study. The primary outcome of the study was the mean change in HbA1c over the follow-up time. In total, 583 patients were included—279 in the cohort of CANA100 (HbA1c 8.05%, weight 94.9 kg) and 304 in the cohort of CANA300 (HbA1c 7.51%, weight 92.0 kg). Median follow-up periods in both cohorts were 9.1 and 15.4 months respectively. CANA100 was associated to significant reductions in HbA1c (−0.90%) and weight (−4.1 kg) at the end of the follow-up. In those patients with baseline HbA1c > 8% (mean 9.25%), CANA100 lowered HbA1c levels by 1.51%. In the second cohort, patients switching to CANA300 experienced a significant decrease in HbA1c (−0.35%) and weight (−2.1 kg). In those patients with baseline HbA1c > 8% (mean 8.94%), CANA300 lowered HbA1c levels by 1.12%. There were significant improvements in blood pressure in both cohorts. No unexpected adverse events were reported. In summary, CANA100 (as an add-on therapy) and CANA300 (switching from prior SGLT-2i therapy) significantly improved several cardiometabolic parameters in patients with T2DM.

Pharmaceutical Analytical Profile for Novel SGL-2 Inhibitor: Dapagliflozin

Dapagliflozin (DPG) is a novel drug from class of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGL-2) inhibitors which has been evolved as profound treatment option for the type-2diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Considering the severity of the disease the drug is of crucial significance for the therapy and associated research. As a pharmaceutical dosage form DPG has immense importance as an individual drug and with other antidiabetic drugs as combinations. The drugs existing in combination with DPG are Metformin (MET) and Saxagliptin (SXG). The existence of the Dapagliflozin in combinations further created more interest in reviewing its pharmaceutical, analytical and bio-analytical profile. Such estimations are always in need of precise pharmacological and physicochemical information; hence authors have presented it beforehand. Authors hereby wish to present an essential update pertaining to emergence of gliflozins and DPG. The article further presents a simultaneous and comparative assessment of the analytical investigations published in literature for pharmaceutical estimation to assist future analysis. The thorough literature searches revealed fifty three research papers in total till date. A comprehensive presentation of typical; hyphenated and unique methods used for analysis are outlined effectively. The percentile utilization of analytical approaches since appearance of first publication in 2010 is investigated to report trend in determination. The present review explores the pharmaceutical estimation of DPG to scientifically potentiate analytical research and therapeutic future of DPG as a novel SGL-2 Inhibitor antidiabetic.

Sotagliflozin Decreases Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Concentrations by Delaying Intestinal Glucose Absorption

CONTEXT

The effect of sotagliflozin (a dual sodium-glucose cotransporter [SGLT] 2 and SGLT1 inhibitor) on intestinal glucose absorption has not been investigated in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To measure rate of appearance of oral glucose (RaO) using a dual glucose tracer method following standardized mixed meals taken after single sotagliflozin or canagliflozin doses.

SETTING

Clinical research organization.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In a double-blind, 3-period crossover study (NCT01916863), 24 healthy participants were randomized to 2 cohorts of 12 participants. Within each cohort, participants were randomly assigned single oral doses of either sotagliflozin 400 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or placebo on each of test days 1, 8, and 15. On test days, Cohort 1 had breakfast containing [6,6-2H2] glucose 0.25 hours postdose and lunch containing [1-2H1] glucose 5.25 hours postdose; Cohort 2 had breakfast containing no labeled glucose 0.25 hours postdose and lunch containing [6,6-2H2] glucose 4.25 hours postdose. All participants received a 10- to 15-hour continuous [U-13C6] glucose infusion starting 5 hours before their first [6,6-2H2] glucose-containing meal.

MAIN OUTCOME

RaO, postprandial glucose (PPG), and postprandial insulin.

RESULTS

Sotagliflozin and canagliflozin decreased area under the curve (AUC)0-1 hour and/or AUC0-2 hours for RaO, PPG, and insulin after breakfast and/or the 4.25-hour postdose lunch (P < .05 versus placebo). After the 5.25-hour postdose lunch, sotagliflozin lowered RaO AUC0-1 hour and PPG AUC0-5 hours versus both placebo and canagliflozin (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sotagliflozin delayed and blunted intestinal glucose absorption after meals, resulting in lower PPG and insulin levels, likely due to prolonged local inhibition of intestinal SGLT1 that persisted for ≥5 hours after dosing.

Differentiating the Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 1 Inhibition Capacity of Canagliflozin vs. Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin Using Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Modeling

The aim of this research was to differentiate dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin based on their capacity to inhibit sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and 2 in patients with type 2 diabetes using a previously developed quantitative systems pharmacology model of renal glucose filtration, reabsorption, and excretion. The analysis was based on pooled, mean study‐level data on 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion, average daily plasma glucose, and estimated glomerular filtration rate collected from phase I and II clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors. Variations in filtered glucose across clinical studies were shown to drive the apparent differences in the glucosuria dose–response relationships among the gliflozins. A normalized dose–response analysis demonstrated similarity of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, but not canagliflozin. At approved doses, SGLT1 inhibition by canagliflozin but not dapagliflozin or empagliflozin contributed to ~ 10% of daily urinary glucose excretion.

Canagliflozin Increases Postprandial Total Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Levels in the Absence of α-Glucosidase Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Single-Arm, Non-randomized, Open-Label Study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate canagliflozin-induced changes in postprandial total glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Forty-five patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5%) with diet and exercise alone (n = 15, drug naïve) and in combination with either a stable dose of the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose (n = 15) or metformin (n = 15) received canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, at 100 mg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 12 in postprandial glucose and plasma levels of total GLP-1 and GIP during a meal tolerance test (MTT).

RESULTS

Canagliflozin significantly reduced postprandial blood glucose (mean difference - 40.2 mg/mL at 60 min) and increased postprandial total GLP-1 (mean difference 1.8 pg/mL at 60 min) during an MTT. A transient reduction in the postprandial GIP level at only 30 min (mean difference - 80.3 pg/mL) during an MTT was observed. No changes in postprandial GLP-1 or GIP levels were seen after canagliflozin treatment as an add-on to acarbose in patients with T2DM. Acarbose treatment significantly decreased postprandial total GIP levels (P < 0.05) and tended to increase postprandial total GLP-1 levels (P = 0.07) compared to the other two treatments prior to canagliflozin.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin 100 mg increased postprandial total GLP-1 levels in the absence of acarbose, suggesting that it may upregulate GLP-1 secretion through delayed glucose absorption in the upper intestine, as with the α-glucosidase inhibitor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

University Hospital Medical Information Network, UMIN000018345.

FUNDING

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.

Comparative risk evaluation for cardiovascular events associated with dapagliflozin vs. empagliflozin in real-world type 2 diabetes patients: a multi-institutional cohort study

BACKGROUND

To compare the cardiovascular event risk in type 2 diabetes patients newly receiving dapagliflozin vs. empagliflozin.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study by analyzing a multi-institutional electronic medical records database (Chang Gung Research Database) in Taiwan and included adult type 2 diabetes patients who were newly receiving sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors from 2016 to 2017. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and heart failure. We followed up patients from initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors until the occurrence of cardiovascular events before December 31, 2018. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling, adjusting for patients' age, sex, laboratory data, co-morbidities, and concomitant medications.

RESULTS

We identified 12,681 new SGLT2 inhibitor users with a mean age of 58.9 (SD 11.8) years, of whom 43.9% were female and 45.8% were new dapagliflozin users. A total of 10,442 person-years of dapagliflozin use and 12,096 person-years of empagliflozin use were included. Compared to empagliflozin users, new users of dapagliflozin were found to have similar risks for primary composite outcome (adjusted HR: 0.91; 95% CI 0.73-1.14), cardiovascular death (adjusted HR: 0.54; 95% CI 0.14-2.12), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.49-1.19) and ischemic stroke (adjusted HR: 1.15; 95% CI 0.80-1.65), but a lower risk of heart failure (adjusted HR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.49-0.95).

CONCLUSION

The risk of cardiovascular events was similar between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin new users, but dapagliflozin may have a better outcome in the reduction of heart failure in type 2 diabetes patients. Future prospective studies are required to confirm the findings.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use and risk of amputation: an expert panel overview of the evidence

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are oral antidiabetic agents that exert their glucose-lowering effect by increasing renal excretion of glucose. These drugs have been reported to beneficially affect cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes. However, concerns have recently been raised in relation to increased risk of lower-extremities amputation with canagliflozin and it remains unclear whether and to what extent this side effect could also occur with other SGLT2i. The present expert panel overview focuses on the three SGLT2i available and widely used in the US and Europe, i.e. empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin and only refers briefly to other SGLT2i for which less data are available. The results of large CV outcome trials with these SGLT2i are presented, focusing specifically on the data in relation to amputation risk. The potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this side effect are discussed. Furthermore, available data reporting amputation cases in SGLT2i users are critically reviewed. The expert panel concludes that, based on current data, increased amputation risk seems to be related only to canagliflozin, thus representing a drug-effect rather than a SGLT2i class-effect. The exact pathways underlying this drug-induced adverse event, possibly related to off-target drug effects rather than SGLT2 inhibition per se, should be elucidated in future studies. Continuous monitoring and pharmacovigilance is necessary and head to head trials would also be essential to provide definitive conclusions.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: A Case Study in Translational Research

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the most recently approved class of diabetes drugs. Unlike other agents, SGLT2 inhibitors act on the kidney to promote urinary glucose excretion. SGLT2 inhibitors provide multiple benefits, including decreased HbA_1c, body weight, and blood pressure. These drugs have received special attention because they decrease the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and slow progression of diabetic kidney disease (1-3). Balanced against these impressive benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prescribing information describes a long list of side effects: genitourinary infections, ketoacidosis, bone fractures, amputations, acute kidney injury, perineal necrotizing fasciitis, and hyperkalemia. This review provides a physiological perspective to understanding the multiple actions of these drugs complemented by a clinical perspective toward balancing benefits and risks.

Are SGLT2 inhibitors joining the mainstream therapy for diabetes type 2?

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapies to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications are only partially effective. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches leading to additional risk reduction are required. While many anti-diabetic medications have been prescribed world-wide for controlling T2DM over the past half-century, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are relatively new. In addition to their plasma glucose lowering effect, SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce considerably cardiovascular mortality rate in patients with T2DM.

AIM

Since, a risk and benefit analysis of co-administration of SGLT2 inhibitors and other anti-diabetic agents in patients who suffer from hypertension, heart failure or renal deficiency is currently lacking, the main objective of this article is to review the recent literature and provide the health care professionals with evidence-based opinions on the subject.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors have relatively safe profiles and can efficiently decrease HbA1c as well as fasting and postprandial glucose levels. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors administrations are not associated with significant hypoglycemic episodes or weight gain. Thus, combination of SGLT2 inhibitors and other less harmful anti-diabetic medicines could be considered if there is no any contraindication.

Improved Time in Range and Glycemic Variability With Sotagliflozin in Combination With Insulin in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pooled Analysis of 24-Week Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data From the inTandem Program

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effects of the dual sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2 inhibitor sotagliflozin in combination with insulin on glucose time in range (TIR) and glucose excursions, postprandial glucose (PPG), and other glycemic metrics in adults with type 1 diabetes using masked continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data sets from the inTandem1 (clinical trial reg. no. NCT02384941) and inTandem2 (clinical trial reg. no. NCT02421510) double-blind randomized trials evaluating sotagliflozin versus placebo in adults with type 1 diabetes treated with optimized insulin were pooled for analyses of masked CGM data from a subset of participants in each trial. The pooled cohort included patients randomized to receive placebo (n = 93), sotagliflozin 200 mg (n = 89), or sotagliflozin 400 mg (n = 96). The primary outcome was change from baseline to week 24 in glucose TIR (3.9-10.0 mmol/L [70-180 mg/dL]). Secondary end points included time below and above the target range and 2-h PPG level assessed after a standardized mixed meal.

RESULTS

Mean percentage of glucose TIR/percentage time spent at <3.9 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL) during week 24 was 51.6%/5.9%, 57.8%/5.5%, and 64.2%/5.5% with placebo, sotagliflozin 200 mg, and sotagliflozin 400 mg, respectively, which corresponded to a placebo-adjusted change from a baseline of +5.4%/-0.3% (P = 0.026; +1.3/-0.1 h/day) for sotagliflozin 200 mg and +11.7%/-0.1% (P < 0.001; +2.8/-0.02 h/day) for sotagliflozin 400 mg. Placebo-adjusted PPG reductions were 1.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L (35 ± 13 mg/dL; P = 0.004) and 2.8 ± 0.7 mmol/L (50 ± 13 mg/dL; P < 0.001) with sotagliflozin 200 and 400 mg, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined with optimized insulin in type 1 diabetes, sotagliflozin significantly increased glucose TIR without increasing time spent at <3.9 mmol/L and reduced PPG, thereby improving glycemic control.

Canagliflozin: A Review in Type 2 Diabetes

Canagliflozin (Invokana^®) is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor indicated in various countries worldwide for the once-daily oral treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Canagliflozin lowers blood glucose levels independently of insulin, with the inhibition of SGLT2 reducing renal reabsorption of glucose and increasing excretion of glucose in the urine. In well-designed clinical trials, canagliflozin (as first-line monotherapy or add-on therapy to other antihyperglycaemic agents) improved glycaemic control in adults with T2D, including those of older age and/or at high cardiovascular (CV) risk, and also had beneficial effects on their bodyweight and blood pressure (BP). CV risk reduction, as well as possible renal benefits, were also seen with canagliflozin in T2D patients at high CV risk in the CANVAS Program, an integrated analysis of two large CV outcomes studies. Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, had a low risk of hypoglycaemia and was most commonly associated with adverse events such as genital and urinary tract infections and increased urination, consistent with its mechanism of action. Although the amputation and fracture risk observed among recipients of the drug require further investigation, canagliflozin is an important option for T2D management in adults.

Inhibition of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the elderly: clinical and mechanistic insights into safety and efficacy

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the elderly grew sharply over the last decade. Reduced insulin sensitivity and secretory capacity, weight gain, sarcopenia, and elevated adiposity are all common metabolic and body changes in the aging population that favor an increased risk of hypoglycemia, frailty syndrome, falls, and cognitive dysfunction. First line antidiabetic therapy is frequently not safe in older individuals because of its high risk of hypoglycemia and prevalent co-morbid diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is a new class of antidiabetic therapy that inhibits glucose and sodium reabsorption on renal proximal convoluted tubule. Its effect is well demonstrated in various clinical scenarios in the younger population. This review and metanalysis describe particularities of the SGLT2i on the elderly, with mechanistic insights of the potential benefit and remaining challenges about the use of these drugs in this important age group. Further, we will present a meta-analysis of the main effects of SGLT2i reported in post-hoc studies in which the median age of the subgroups analyzed was over 60 years. Despite the absence of specific clinical trials for this population, our findings suggest that SGLT2i therapy on older individuals is effective to lower glucose and maintain its effect on systolic blood pressure and body weight.

Clinical potential relevance of metabolic properties of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide, remaining a major cause of hospitalization and mortality despite innovative therapeutic approaches introduced in the past few decades. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) contributes significantly to end-organ damage and HF-related complications and is associated with worse clinical status and increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with HF with reduced (HFrEF) or with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), compared to HF patients without T2DM. Recently, a novel class of antidiabetic drugs has been introduced: sodium glucose co-trasport-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Initially designed for patients with T2DM to reduce kidney blood glucose resorption, SGLT2i rapidly gained attention among HF specialists since they were able to show a beneficial prognostic impact in patients affected by HF and T2DM, even independently from the glycemic control as suggested by the EMPA-REG OUTCOME and CANVAS trials. Areas covered: The present review focuses on the mechanisms and the current clinical evidence supporting the use of SGLT2i in HF patients with T2DM. Moreover, the SGLT2i pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties will be presented in order to better understand the rationale and the design of the ongoing clinical trials investigating directly the effect of this new class of drugs in patients with HF, even independently from T2DM. Expert opinion: SGLT2i are emerging as an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of T2DM and current evidence has unexpectedly demonstrated a robust cardiovascular protection in HF patients with T2DM. Therefore, ongoing clinical trials are investigating directly the effect of this new class of drugs in patients with HF, even independently from T2DM. However, it is methodologically disappointing that the mechanisms underlying the encouraging results in cardiovascular protection of this drug class are still not fully understood. A better understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of SGLT2i is necessary in order to better determine the effect of this new class of drugs in patients with HF.

Sodium-glucose transporter 2 is a diagnostic and therapeutic target for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

The diagnostic definition of indeterminate lung nodules as malignant or benign poses a major challenge for clinicians. We discovered a potential marker, the sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2), whose activity identified metabolically active lung premalignancy and early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). We found that SGLT2 is expressed early in lung tumorigenesis and is found specifically in premalignant lesions and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. SGLT2 activity could be detected in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET) with the tracer methyl 4-deoxy-4-[18F] fluoro-alpha-d-glucopyranoside (Me4FDG), which specifically detects SGLT activity. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and Me4FDG PET, we identified high expression and functional activity of SGLT2 in lung premalignancy and early-stage/low-grade LADC. Furthermore, selective targeting of SGLT2 with FDA-approved small-molecule inhibitors, the gliflozins, greatly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival in autochthonous mouse models and patient-derived xenografts of LADC. Targeting SGLT2 in lung tumors may intercept lung cancer progression at early stages of development by pairing Me4FDG PET imaging with therapy using SGLT2 inhibitors.

Comparison of New Glucose-Lowering Drugs on Risk of Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The authors conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials in the post-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance era to formally compare the effects of 3 new classes of glucose-lowering drugs on hospitalization for heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND

The 2008 FDA Guidance for Industry launched an era of cardiovascular outcome trials for new glucose-lowering drugs in T2DM, including glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors, and sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT)-2 inhibitors.

METHODS

We searched Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov between December 1, 2008, and November 24, 2017, for randomized placebo-controlled trials, and performed network meta-analyses by Bayesian approach using Markov-chain Monte Carlo simulation method to compare the effects of glucose-lowering drugs on risk of HF hospitalization and estimate the probability that each treatment is the most effective.

RESULTS

Nine studies were identified, yielding data on 87,162 participants. In the network meta-analysis, SGLT-2 inhibitors yielded the greatest risk reduction for HF hospitalization compared with placebo (relative risk [RR]: 0.56; 95% CrI [credibility interval]: 0.43 to 0.72). Moreover, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with significant risk reduction in pairwise comparisons with both GLP-1 agonists (RR: 0.59; 95% CrI: 0.43 to 0.79) and DPP-4 inhibitors (RR: 0.50; 95% CrI: 0.36 to 0.70). Ranking of the classes revealed 99.6% probability of SGLT-2 inhibitors being the optimal treatment for reducing the risk of this outcome, followed by GLP-1 agonists (0.27%) and DPP-4 inhibitors (0.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors are more effective than either GLP-1 agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors for reducing the risk of hospitalization for HF in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A real-world analysis of glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes treated with canagliflozin versus dapagliflozin

OBJECTIVE

This US retrospective cohort study compared the real-world effectiveness of canagliflozin 300 mg versus dapagliflozin 10 mg on HbA1c reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Patients initiated on canagliflozin 300 mg or dapagliflozin 10 mg were identified from de-identified claims data in the Optum Clinformatics database (1 January 2014-30 September 2016). Propensity score matching was used to create balanced cohorts. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with HbA1c <8.0% (HEDIS target); secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with HbA1c <7.0% (ADA target) and >9.0% (HEDIS poor control), absolute change in HbA1c, and treatment patterns.

RESULTS

At 6 months post-index (intent-to-treat population), a significantly higher proportion of patients in the canagliflozin 300 mg versus dapagliflozin 10 mg cohort achieved HbA1c <8.0% (70.8% vs. 59.1%; OR [95% CI]: 1.60 [1.26, 2.04]; p = .0001) and HbA1c <7.0% (36.7% vs. 25.1%; OR [95% CI]: 1.75 [1.34, 2.27]; p < .0001). A similar proportion of patients had HbA1c >9.0%. Mean HbA1c reduction was -1.17% with canagliflozin 300 mg and -0.91% with dapagliflozin 10 mg (difference of -0.26%; p = .0049). HbA1c results from a sensitivity analysis in the on-treatment population were consistent with the primary analysis. Patients in the canagliflozin 300 mg versus dapagliflozin 10 mg cohort were less likely to discontinue treatment (OR [95% CI]: 0.75 [0.57, 0.99]; p = .0400) or switch medication (OR [95% CI]: 0.72 [0.54, 0.96]; p = .0229).

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world study, patients with T2DM initiated on canagliflozin 300 mg had better HbA1c goal attainment and larger HbA1c reduction than patients initiated on dapagliflozin 10 mg.

Canagliflozin triggers the FGF23/1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D/PTH axis in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the most recently approved class of drugs for type 2 diabetes and provide both glycemic efficacy and cardiovascular risk reduction. A number of safety issues have been identified, including treatment-emergent bone fractures. To understand the overall clinical profile, these safety issues must be balanced against an attractive efficacy profile. Our study was designed to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms mediating treatment-emergent adverse effects on bone health.

METHODS

We conducted a single-blind randomized crossover study in hospitalized healthy adults (n = 25) receiving either canagliflozin (300 mg/d) or placebo for 5 days. The primary end-point was the drug-induced change in AUC for plasma intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) immunoactivity between 24 and 72 hours.

RESULTS

Canagliflozin administration increased placebo-subtracted mean levels of serum phosphorus (+16%), plasma FGF23 (+20%), and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) (+25%), while decreasing the level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (-10%). There was substantial interindividual variation in the magnitude of each of these pharmacodynamic responses. The increase in plasma FGF23 was correlated with the increase in serum phosphorus, and the decrease in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was correlated with the increase in plasma FGF23.

CONCLUSIONS

Canagliflozin induced a prompt increase in serum phosphorus, which triggers downstream changes in FGF23, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and PTH, with potential to exert adverse effects on bone health. These pharmacodynamic data provide a foundation for future research to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of adverse effects on bone health, with the objective of devising therapeutic strategies to mitigate the drug-associated fracture risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02404870).

FUNDING

Supported by the Intramural Program of NIDDK.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Canagliflozin 300 mg Versus Dapagliflozin 10 mg Added to Metformin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Agents that inhibit sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), including canagliflozin and dapagliflozin, are approved in the United States for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SGLT2 inhibition lowers blood glucose by increasing urinary glucose excretion, which leads to a mild osmotic diuresis and a net loss of calories that are associated with reductions in body weight and blood pressure. This analysis evaluated the cost-effectiveness of canagliflozin 300 mg versus dapagliflozin 10 mg in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin in the United States.

METHODS

A 30-year cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using the validated Economic and Health Outcomes Model of T2DM (ECHO-T2DM) from the perspective of the third-party health care system in the United States. Patient demographics, biomarker values, and treatment effects for the ECHO-T2DM model were sourced primarily from a network meta-analysis (NMA) that included studies of canagliflozin and dapagliflozin in patients with T2DM on background metformin. Costs were derived from sources specific to the United States. Outcomes and costs were discounted at 3%. Sensitivity analyses that varied key model parameters were conducted.

RESULTS

Canagliflozin 300 mg dominated dapagliflozin 10 mg as an add-on to metformin over 30 years, with an estimated cost offset of $13,991 and a quality-adjusted life-year gain of 0.08 versus dapagliflozin 10 mg. Results were driven by the better HbA1c lowering achieved with canagliflozin, which translated to less need for insulin rescue therapy. Findings from sensitivity analyses were consistent with the base case.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that canagliflozin 300 mg is likely to provide better health outcomes at a lower overall cost than dapagliflozin 10 mg in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin from the perspective of the United States health care system.

FUNDING

Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC and Janssen Global Services, LLC.

Predictors for the Treatment Effect of Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Predictors for the effect of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors at lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients remain unclear. We therefore aimed to elucidate these predictors in type 2 diabetes patients after 3 months of SGLT2 treatment.

METHODS

A total of 302 consecutive type 2 diabetes patients who had been treated with SGLT2 inhibitors as monotherapy or add-on therapy to existing antidiabetic treatments were enrolled retrospectively. After excluding 27 patients whose HbA1c levels could not be evaluated 3 months after treatment, the glucose-lowering effects of SGLT2 inhibitors were assessed in 275 patients by measuring HbA1c levels before and 3 months after treatment. The predictors for changes in HbA1c levels after 3 months of treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

SGLT2 inhibitor treatment for 3 months decreased HbA1c levels from 7.8 ± 1.2% to 7.4 ± 1.0% (p < 0.0001). A multiple regression analysis showed that the independent determinants for SGLT2 inhibitor treatment effect included decreased HbA1c levels after 1 month of treatment, high baseline HbA1c levels, and a high estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

CONCLUSION

We show that type 2 diabetes patients who received the greatest glucose-lowering effect with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment were those with preserved renal function (high baseline eGFR) and high baseline HbA1c levels. Moreover, SGLT2 inhibitor treatment efficacy could be predicted by the patients' initial response to treatment.

Canagliflozin reduces plasma uremic toxins and alters the intestinal microbiota composition in a chronic kidney disease mouse model

Accumulation of uremic toxins, which exert deleterious effects in chronic kidney disease, is influenced by the intestinal environment; the microbiota contributes to the production of representative uremic toxins, including p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate. Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitor, and it also exerts a modest inhibitory effect on SGLT1. The inhibition of intestinal SGLT1 can influence the gastrointestinal environment. We examined the effect of canagliflozin on the accumulation of uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease using adenine-induced renal failure mice. Two-week canagliflozin (10 mg/kg po) treatment did not influence the impaired renal function; however, it significantly reduced the plasma levels of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate in renal failure mice (a 75% and 26% reduction, respectively, compared with the vehicle group). Additionally, canagliflozin significantly increased cecal short-chain fatty acids in the mice, suggesting the promotion of bacterial carbohydrate fermentation in the intestine. Analysis of the cecal microbiota showed that canagliflozin significantly altered microbiota composition in the renal failure mice. These results indicate that canagliflozin exerts intestinal effects that reduce the accumulation of uremic toxins including p-cresyl sulfate. Reduction of accumulated uremic toxins by canagliflozin could provide a potential therapeutic option in chronic kidney disease.

Dapagliflozin in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a combined human-rodent pilot study

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition (SGLT2i) therapy attenuates the progression of diabetic nephropathy, but it remains unclear whether SGLT2i provides renoprotection in nondiabetic CKD such as FSGS. The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of 8 wk of dapagliflozin on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans and in experimental FSGS. Secondary end points were related to changes in renal hemodynamic function, proteinuria, and blood pressure (BP). GFR (inulin) and renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate), proteinuria, and BP were measured in patients with FSGS ( n = 10), and similar parameters were measured in subtotally nephrectomized (SNx) rats. In response to dapagliflozin, changes in GFR, renal plasma flow, and 24-h urine protein excretion were not statistically significant in humans or rats. Systolic BP (SBP) decreased in SNx rats (196 ± 26 vs. 165 ± 33 mmHg; P < 0.001), whereas changes were not statistically significant in humans (SBP 112.7 ± 8.5 to 112.8 ± 11.2 mmHg, diastolic BP 71.8 ± 6.5 to 69.6 ± 8.4 mmHg; P = not significant), although hematocrit increased (0.40 ± 0.05 to 0.42 ± 0.05%; P = 0.03). In archival kidney tissue from a separate patient cohort, renal parenchymal SGLT2 mRNA expression was decreased in individuals with FSGS compared with controls. Short-term treatment with the SGLT2i dapagliflozin did not modify renal hemodynamic function or attenuate proteinuria in humans or in experimental FSGS. This may be related to downregulation of renal SGLT2 expression. Studies examining the impact of SGLT2i on markers of kidney disease in patients with other causes of nondiabetic CKD are needed.

Ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment: Analysis of FAERS data

BACKGROUND

Regulatory agencies have concluded that sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lead to ketoacidosis, but published literature on this point remains controversial.

METHODS

We searched the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for reports of acidosis in patients treated with canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or empagliflozin (from the date of each drug's FDA approval until May 15, 2015). We compared the number of SGLT2 inhibitor-related reports to reports of acidosis in patients treated with the 2 most commonly used DPP4 inhibitors: sitagliptin and saxagliptin. We estimated relative risks of acidosis by relating the number of reports to cumulative drug sales (a surrogate for patient exposure).

RESULTS

FAERS contained 259 reports of acidosis (including 192 reports of ketoacidosis) for SGLT2 inhibitors compared with 477 reports of acidosis for DPP4 inhibitors (including 71 reports of ketoacidosis). Based on estimated patient exposure, the overall risk of developing acidosis was ~14-fold higher for SGLT2 inhibitors. Among 51 SGLT2 inhibitor-related reports with quantifiable metabolic information, 20 cases occurred in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 25 in type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 6 in patients with unspecified type of diabetes. After excluding patients with T1D and focusing on patients identified as having T2D, we estimate that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with ~7-fold increase in developing acidosis. Seventy-one percent had euglycemic ketoacidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the FDA's warning that SGLT2 inhibitors lead to ketoacidosis, as evidenced by an increased reporting rate for acidosis above that in a comparator population treated with DPP4 inhibitors.

Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition in Heart Failure: Potential Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Summary of Clinical Trials

Despite current established therapy, heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Novel therapeutic targets are therefore needed to improve the prognosis of patients with HF. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial ([Empagliflozin] Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients) demonstrated significant reductions in mortality and HF hospitalization risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and cardiovascular disease with the antihyperglycemic agent, empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. The CANVAS trial (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study) subsequently reported a reduction in 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events and HF hospitalization risk. Although SGLT2 inhibition may have potential application beyond T2D, including HF, the mechanisms responsible for the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors remain incompletely understood. SGLT2 inhibition promotes natriuresis and osmotic diuresis, leading to plasma volume contraction and reduced preload, and decreases in blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and afterload as well, thereby improving subendocardial blood flow in patients with HF. SGLT2 inhibition is also associated with preservation of renal function. Based on data from mechanistic studies and clinical trials, large clinical trials with SGLT2 inhibitors are now investigating the potential use of SGLT2 inhibition in patients who have HF with and without T2D. Accordingly, in this review, we summarize the key pharmacodynamic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and the clinical evidence that support the rationale for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with HF who have T2D. Because these favorable effects presumably occur independent of blood glucose lowering, we also explore the potential use of SGLT2 inhibition in patients without T2D with HF or at risk of HF, such as in patients with coronary artery disease or hypertension. Finally, we provide a detailed overview and summary of ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials with SGLT2 inhibitors.

Effect of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors With Low SGLT2/SGLT1 Selectivity on Circulating Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic drugs that improve glycemic control by inhibiting reabsorption of glucose filtered through the renal glomerulus. Use of drugs in this class has increased because of their effect of decreasing body weight and a low risk for hypoglycemia, in addition to a relatively strong glucose-lowering effect. SGLT2 inhibitors such as canagliflozin and sotagliflozin (a SGLT1/SGLT2 dual inhibitor) also have a mild or moderate intestinal and renal SGLT1 inhibitory effect because of their relatively weak selectivity for SGLT2 over SGLT1. Recent evidence shows that these SGLT2 inhibitors with low SGLT2/SGLT1 selectivity elevate the level of circulating glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone that promotes insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. This effect probably occurs partly via inhibition of intestinal SGLT1, and the elevation of active GLP-1 levels is especially apparent when these drugs are co-administered with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors. These findings suggest that a combination of canagliflozin or sotagliflozin and a DPP4 inhibitor can provide a beneficial effect associated with elevation of circulating active GLP-1 and may serve as a treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Adherence and persistence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus newly initiating canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, dpp-4s, or glp-1s in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors were first approved in the US in 2013; therefore, real-world (RW) studies describing outcomes are limited. This retrospective study evaluated adherence and persistence among patients initiating canagliflozin (CANA), dapagliflozin (DAPA), GLP-1 agonists (GLP-1s), and DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4s) over a 12-month follow-up from a US managed care perspective.

METHODS

Patients newly initiating CANA, DAPA, GLP-1s, or DPP-4s from February 1, 2014-June 30, 2014 were identified from the QuintilesIMS PharMetrics Plus Database. The first fill defined the index date/drug. Patients were required to have a T2DM diagnosis (ICD-9-CM 250.x[0,2]) and ≥12 months of continuous enrollment pre- and post-index (follow-up). Main outcome measures were adherence (proportion of days covered, PDC; medication possession ratio, MPR) and persistence on index therapy. PDC or MPR ≥0.80 was considered adherent. Patients were considered persistent until evidence of discontinuation (gap ≥90 days between two subsequent index therapy prescriptions). Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis assessed time to discontinuation, while a Cox proportional hazards model (PHM) evaluated risk of discontinuation. Logistic regression models evaluated the likelihood of non-adherence.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 23,702 patients (6,546 CANA, 3,087 DAPA, 6,273 GLP-1s, and 7,796 DPP-4s; 56% male, and mean [SD] age = 55 [9.1] years). Mean PDC ranged from 0.56 (GLP-1), to 0.71 (CANA), with 33-56% adherent, respectively; MPR results were similar. Fifty-two per cent (GLP-1) to 68% (CANA) were persistent over the follow-up. CANA patients had the longest time to discontinuation. In regression analyses, compared to CANA 100 mg, DAPA, DPP-4, and GLP-1 patients had a significantly higher likelihood of non-adherence and a significantly higher risk of discontinuation. CANA 300 mg patients had a significantly lower likelihood of non-adherence and a significantly lower risk of discontinuation compared to CANA 100 mg.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence and persistence were significantly better with CANA (100 mg and 300 mg) compared to DAPA, GLP-1s, and DPP-4s in the RW setting.

Metabolic and hemodynamic effects of sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardio-renal protection in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The specific sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) inhibit glucose reabsorption in proximal renal tubular cells, and both fasting and postprandial glucose significantly decrease because of urinary glucose loss. As a result, pancreatic β-cell function and peripheral insulin action significantly improve with relief from glucose toxicity. Furthermore, whole-body energy metabolism changes to relative glucose deficiency and triggers increased lipolysis in fat cells, and fatty acid oxidation and then ketone body production in the liver during treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. In addition, SGLT2 inhibitors have profound hemodynamic effects including diuresis, dehydration, weight loss and lowering blood pressure. The most recent findings on SGLT2 inhibitors come from results of the Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes trial. SGLT2 inhibitors exert extremely unique and cardio-renal protection through metabolic and hemodynamic effects, with long-term durability on the reduction of blood glucose, bodyweight and blood pressure. Although a site of action of SGLT2 inhibitors is highly specific to inhibit renal glucose reabsorption, whole-body energy metabolism, and hemodynamic and renal functions are profoundly modulated during the treatment of SGLT2 inhibitors. Previous studies suggest multifactorial clinical benefits and safety concerns of SGLT2 inhibitors. Although ambivalent clinical results of this drug are still under active discussion, the present review summarizes promising recent evidence on the cardio-renal and metabolic benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.