Effect of a single dose of insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed ratio combination (iGlarLixi) on postprandial glucodynamic response in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A phase I randomized trial

Distinct hypoglycemic effect of different formulations of a fixed ratio of basal insulin plus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist in a patient with pancreatic diabetes

Fixed-ratio combination injection therapy (FRC) is a fixed-ratio mixture containing basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in a single injection for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. The two types of FRC products contain different concentrations and mixing ratios of basal insulin and GLP-1 RA. Both products demonstrated satisfactory blood glucose control throughout the day, with less hypoglycemia and weight gain. However, few studies have examined the differences in the actions of the two formulations. Herein, we present a case of a 71-year-old man with pancreatic diabetes and significantly impaired intrinsic insulin secretion capacity, who demonstrated a marked difference in glycemic control following treatment with two different FRC formulations. Treatment with IDegLira, an FRC product, demonstrated suboptimal glucose control in the patient. However, after a change in therapy to another FRC product, IGlarLixi, his glucose control markedly improved, even with a decrease in the injection dose. This difference could have been due to lixisenatide, a short-acting GLP-1RA contained in IGlarLixi, which exerts a postprandial hypoglycemic effect irrespective of intrinsic insulin secretion capacity. In conclusion, IGlarLixi has the potential to achieve good fasting and postprandial glucose control with a once-daily injection, even in patients with type 2 diabetes who have a reduced intrinsic insulin secretion capacity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-023-00621-5.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of iGlarLixi in Healthy Chinese Participants: Results of a Phase 1 Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION

The Chinese Diabetes Society recommends basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as an add-on therapy to first-line oral antihyperglycemic drugs for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/ml (iGlar) and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) is known to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D. However, the pharmacokinetics of iGlarLixi has not been evaluated in Chinese participants. The present study evaluated pharmacokinetics and safety of two iGlarLixi (10 U/10 μg and 30 U/15 μg) doses following single subcutaneous administration in healthy Chinese participants.

METHODS

This was a Phase 1, single-center, open-label, parallel-group, randomized study in healthy Chinese adults who were randomized to receive a single dose of iGlarLixi with either 1:1 (10 U/10 μg) or 2:1 (30 U/15 μg) ratio of iGlar and lixisenatide. Primary objectives include assessment of pharmacokinetics of iGlar in iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg group and the pharmacokinetics of lixisenatide in both the groups (iGlarLixi 10 U/10 μg and iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg). Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

In iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg group, iGlar concentrations were low and quantifiable in three of ten participants, while its main metabolite (M1) was quantifiable in all participants, reflecting rapid conversion of iGlar to M1. Median INS-t_max was 14.00 h for iGlar and 13.00 h post-dose for M1. Absorption of lixisenatide was similar in both dose groups with median t_max of 3.25 and 2.00 h post-dose in both groups. The exposure increase was dose proportionate with a 1.5-fold increase in the lixisenatide dose. Adverse events observed were consistent with those previously reported with iGlar or lixisenatide.

CONCLUSION

iGlarLixi administration resulted in early absorption of both iGlar and lixisenatide with a good tolerability profile in healthy Chinese participants. These results are consistent with the previously published data from other geographic regions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

U1111-1194-9411.

Progress in Intradermal and Transdermal Gene Therapy with Microneedles

Gene therapy is one of the most widely studied treatments and has the potential to treat a variety of intractable diseases. The skin's limited permeability, as the body's initial protective barrier, drastically inhibits the delivery effect of gene medicine. Given the potential adverse effects and physicochemical features of the medications, improving generic drug penetration into the skin barrier and achieving an effective level of target tissues remains a challenge. Microneedles have made tremendous improvements in aided gene transfer and medication delivery as a unique method. Microneedles offer the advantage of being minimally invasive and painless, as well as the ability to distribute gene medicines straight through the stratum corneum. Microneedles have been used to penetrate skin tissue with various nucleic acids and medicines in recent years, allowing for a wide range of applications in the treatment of skin ailments. This review focuses on skin-related disorders and immunity, and it primarily discusses the progress of microneedle transdermal gene therapy in recent years. It also complements the current major vectors and related microneedle gene therapy applications.

Titratable fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine plus lixisenatide: A simplified approach to glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Approximately 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not achieve glycemic targets and require treatment intensification. A fixed-ratio combination of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) with basal insulin, such as lixisenatide with insulin glargine (iGlarLixi), exploits the complementary mechanisms of action of each component to address hyperglycemia while mitigating potential adverse events (AEs). The iGlarLixi dose is titrated considering the effect of basal insulin on fasting plasma glucose, and the fixed-ratio combination ensures that the lixisenatide dose never exceeds 20 μg/day. We describe the characteristics of iGlarLixi therapy, based on the LixiLan clinical program, and provide guidance on the characteristics of patients likely to benefit from such treatment in routine clinical practice. In the phase III LixiLan trials, iGlarLixi resulted in significantly greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), better achievement of HbA1c targets, less glycemic variability versus insulin glargine, lixisenatide or GLP-1 RA alone, and was associated with weight control, less hypoglycemia versus insulin glargine, and fewer GI AEs versus lixisenatide. Findings were consistent regardless of age, diabetes duration, and baseline HbA1c. The efficacy, safety, and convenient once-daily administration schedule of iGlarLixi make it a valuable treatment option for patients with T2DM requiring treatment intensification.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed-ratio combination (iGlarLixi 1:1) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs: A randomized, 26-week, open-label, multicentre study: The LixiLan JP-O2 randomized clinical trial

AIMS

To assess efficacy and safety of 26-week treatment with insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed-ratio combination (iGlarLixi) compared with insulin glargine U100 (iGlar) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This phase 3, multicentre, open-label, 1:1 randomized, parallel-group study compared efficacy of iGlarLixi and iGlar in patients with T2DM, HbA1c of ≥7.5% to ≤9.5% and fasting plasma glucose ≤10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dL). The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26.

RESULTS

Patients were randomized to iGlarLixi (n = 260) or iGlar (n = 261) (mean age 59.7 years, baseline BMI 26.04 kg/m² , and HbA1c 8.04% [64.4 mmol/mol]). HbA1c reduction was significantly greater with iGlarLixi (-1.40% [-15.3 mmol/mol]) than with iGlar (-0.76% [-8.3 mmol/mol]). Significantly more iGlarLixi patients reached HbA1c <7% at week 26 (71.5% vs 38.5%, P < .0001), with significantly lower weight gain (LS mean difference -1.06 kg, P < .0001). Documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L [70 mg/dL]) was recorded in 14.2% of patients with iGlarLixi and 12.3% with iGlar. No severe hypoglycemia was reported in either group. Other than the expected gastrointestinal issues associated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, we found no major difference in the incidence of TEAEs.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c reduction was significantly greater with iGlarLixi than with iGlar; significantly more patients achieved HbA1c <7%, with no additional risk of hypoglycemia and without weight gain. iGlarLixi (1:1) provided an effective treatment option for Japanese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled on OADs. Clinical Trial Number: NCT02752828.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed-ratio combination (iGlarLixi) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on basal insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs: The LixiLan JP-L randomized clinical trial

AIMS

To assess efficacy and safety of fixed-ratio (1:1) combination insulin glargine and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) compared to insulin glargine U100 (iGlar), with metformin, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on basal insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This 26-week, randomized, open-label study compared iGlarLixi to iGlar, both with metformin in adult Japanese patients with T2DM and hemoglobin (Hb) A1c ≥7.5% to ≤9.5%, treated with basal insulin and 1 or 2 OADs. Five hundred and twelve patients were randomized after a 12-week run-in, when iGlar was introduced and/or further titrated and OADs other than metformin were stopped. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 26.

RESULTS

iGlarLixi (n = 255) demonstrated significantly greater reductions in HbA1c (-1.27%) than iGlar (n = 257, -0.53%) (LS mean difference: -0.74%, P < .0001) at week 26, confirming the superiority of iGlarLixi. Significantly, more iGlarLixi patients reached target HbA1c <7% at week 26 (51.8% vs 16.0% for iGlar). iGlarLixi patients lost weight in contrast to iGlar patients (-0.51 kg vs +0.55 kg). Documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol/L) was observed in 18.8% of iGlarLixi patients vs 16.7% of iGlar patients. iGlarLixi patients had more gastrointestinal-related adverse events than iGlar patients (33.3% vs 8.6%), primarily nausea (16.9% vs 0.8%). However, the treatment was generally well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

A once-daily injection of iGlarLixi with metformin is an effective, well-tolerated, and simple therapeutic intervention providing significant improvement in glycemic control in Japanese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled on basal insulin and up to two OADs. Clinical Trial Number: NCT02752412.

Efficacy and Safety of 1:1 Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide Versus Lixisenatide in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled on Oral Antidiabetic Drugs: The LixiLan JP-O1 Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of a 1:1 fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) versus lixisenatide (Lixi) in insulin-naive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this phase 3, open-label, multicenter trial, 321 patients with HbA_1c≥7.5 to ≤10.0% (58-86 mmol/mol) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤13.8 mmol/L (250 mg/dL) were randomized 1:1 to iGlarLixi or Lixi for 52 weeks. The primary end point was change in HbA_1c at week 26.

RESULTS

Change in HbA_1c from baseline to week 26 was significantly greater with iGlarLixi (-1.58% [-17.3 mmol/mol]) than with Lixi (-0.51% [-5.6 mmol/mol]), confirming the superiority of iGlarLixi (least squares [LS] mean difference -1.07% [-11.7 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001). At week 26, significantly greater proportions of patients treated with iGlarLixi reached HbA_1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) (65.2% vs. 19.4%; P < 0.0001), and FPG reductions were greater with iGlarLixi than Lixi (LS mean difference -2.29 mmol/L [-41.23 mg/dL], P < 0.0001). Incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (≤3.9 mmol/L [70 mg/dL]) was higher with iGlarLixi (13.0% vs. 2.5%) through week 26, with no severe hypoglycemic events in either group. Incidence of gastrointestinal events through week 52 was lower with iGlarLixi (36.0% vs. 50.0%), and rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

This phase 3 study demonstrated superior glycemic control and fewer gastrointestinal adverse events with iGlarLixi than with Lixi, which may support it as a new treatment option for Japanese patients with T2DM that is inadequately controlled with OADs.

Effect of a single dose of insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed ratio combination (iGlarLixi) on postprandial glucodynamic response in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A phase I randomized trial

This report describes novel clinical data assessing the pharmacodynamics of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) compared with placebo and insulin glargine alone, to determine pharmacokinetics of lixisenatide, and to assess safety of iGlarLixi in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In a single-centre, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study, participants received subcutaneous iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg and 10 U/10 μg, placebo, and 5 U insulin glargine. The primary endpoint was area under the postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) curve (AUC_0-2h ). A total of 20 participants completed all study periods. iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg and 10 U/10 μg reduced mean PPG dose-dependently compared with placebo and insulin glargine 5 U. Both combinations significantly reduced PPG-AUC_0-2h dose-dependently compared with placebo (least squares mean difference -7.48 mmol h/L for 5 U/5 μg, -10.75 mmol h/L for 10 U/10 μg; P < 0.0001). iGlarLixi 5 U/5 μg reduced PPG-AUC_0-2h significantly compared with insulin glargine 5 U (-0.76 mmol h/L; P < 0.0001). No symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurred during the study. iGlarLixi single subcutaneous injections significantly and dose-dependently reduced PPG compared to placebo or insulin glargine in Japanese participants with T2DM. iGlarLixi was safe and well tolerated, and would be expected to provide the 24-hour plasma glucose-lowering effects of insulin glargine and the postprandial antihyperglycaemic effects of lixisenatide.