Recent developments in GLP-1RA therapy: A review of the latest evidence of efficacy and safety and differences within the class

Real-world study of the concomitant use of biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 with GLP-1 receptor agonist versus first-generation basal insulin with GLP-1 receptor agonist in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Combining insulin with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) is common. While many studies have investigated concomitant therapy with basal insulin+GLP-1RA, few have reported on premixed insulin+GLP-1RA. We aimed to address this gap using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database in England.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching assessed glycaemic levels and other clinical outcomes in people with T2D, comparing biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) + GLP-1RA with basal insulin (insulin detemir/glargine U100) + GLP-1RA (from 2006 to 2021).

RESULTS

In total, 4770 eligible people were identified; 1511 had a BIAsp 30 + GLP-1RA regimen and were propensity score-matched to an equal number receiving basal+GLP-1RA. There was no significant difference in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction between cohorts at 6 months (p = 0.15), with a decrease of -1.07 (95% CI: -1.16; -0.98) %-points (-11.7 mmol/mol [95% CI: -12.7; -10.7]) in the BIAsp 30 + GLP-1RA cohort, versus -0.97 (95% CI: -1.07; -0.88) %-points (-10.6 mmol/mol [95% CI: -11.7; -9.6]) in the basal+GLP-1RA cohort. Body mass index (BMI) decreased by -0.35 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.52;-0.18) at 6 months with BIAsp 30 + GLP-1RA, versus -0.72 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.90;-0.54) with basal+GLP-1RA (p = 0.003). BMI was influenced by the initiation sequence of GLP-1RA in relation to insulin (p < 0.0001). Hypoglycaemia rates were low and not significantly different between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining BIAsp 30 + GLP-1RA provides glycaemic control with no significant difference to that of propensity score-matched people receiving basal insulin+GLP-1RA, with no increase in hypoglycaemia risk or weight gain.

Tolerability, safety and pharmacodynamics of oral, small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist danuglipron for type 2 diabetes: A 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 2 study comparing different dose-escalation schemes

AIM

To evaluate the tolerability, safety and pharmacodynamics of different dose-escalation schemes of the oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist danuglipron.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Phase 2a, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study randomly assigned adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with metformin to placebo or danuglipron (low [5-mg] or high [10-mg] starting dose, with 1- or 2-week dose-escalation steps, to target doses of 80, 120 or 200 mg twice daily [BID]) and adults with obesity without diabetes to placebo or danuglipron 200 mg BID.

RESULTS

Participants with T2D (n = 123, mean glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 8.19%) or obesity without diabetes (n = 28, mean body mass index 37.3 kg/m2 ) were randomly assigned and treated. Discontinuation from study medication occurred in 27.3% to 72.7% of participants across danuglipron groups versus 16.7% to 18.8% for placebo, most often due to adverse events. Nausea (20.0%-47.6% of participants across danuglipron groups vs. 12.5% for placebo) and vomiting (18.2%-40.9% danuglipron vs. 12.5% placebo, respectively) were most commonly reported in participants with T2D. Gastrointestinal adverse events were generally related to danuglipron target dose and were not substantially affected by starting dose. In participants with T2D, least squares mean changes from baseline in HbA1c (-1.04% to -1.57% across danuglipron groups vs. -0.32% for placebo), fasting plasma glucose (-23.34 mg/dL to -53.94 mg/dL danuglipron vs. -13.09 mg/dL placebo) and body weight (-1.93 to -5.38 kg danuglipron vs. -0.42 kg placebo) at Week 12 were generally statistically significant for danuglipron compared with placebo (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Danuglipron resulted in statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, FPG and body weight over 12 weeks, in the setting of higher discontinuation rates and incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events with higher target doses.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT04617275.

The emerging significance of mitochondrial targeted strategies in NAFLD treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from liver steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which ultimately progresses to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Individuals with NAFLD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and extrahepatic cancers. Despite the great progress being made in understanding the pathogenesis and the introduction of new pharmacological targets for NAFLD, no drug or intervention has been accepted for its management. Recent evidence suggests that NAFLD may be a mitochondrial disease, as mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathological processes that lead to NAFLD. In this review, we describe the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in NAFLD progression. Moreover, we discuss recent advances in the efficacy of mitochondria-targeted compounds (e.g., Mito-Q, MitoVit-E, MitoTEMPO, SS-31, mitochondrial uncouplers, and mitochondrial pyruvate carrier inhibitors) for treating NAFLD. Furthermore, we present some medications currently being tested in clinical trials for NAFLD treatment, such as exercise, mesenchymal stem cells, bile acids and their analogs, and antidiabetic drugs, with a focus on their efficacy in improving mitochondrial function. Based on this evidence, further investigations into the development of mitochondria-based agents may provide new and promising alternatives for NAFLD management.

An updated patent review of GLP-1 receptor agonists (2020-present)

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity present significant global health issues, requiring the development of long-lasting and highly effective pharmacotherapies. Although glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are commonly used for diabetes treatment, their potential for addressing obesity is still being explored.

AREAS COVERED

This review offers a comprehensive overview of recently published patents from January 2020 to July 2023, focusing on modified GLP-1RAs, small molecule GLP-1RAs, GLP-1 R-based multi-agonists, GLP-1RA-based fusion proteins, and combination therapies. The patents discussed pertain to the treatment and prevention of diabetes and obesity. Patent searches were conducted using the PATENTSCOPE database of the World Intellectual Property Organization, using the keywords GLP-1, GLP-1/GIP, GLP-1/GCG, and GLP-1/GCG/GIP.

EXPERT OPINION

In recent years, patents have emphasized two main goals for developing GLP-1RAs drugs: oral delivery and improved weight reduction effects. To address the growing demand for improved treatments, researchers have focused their efforts on developing GLP-1 R-based multi-agonists, orally administered GLP-1RAs, and combination therapies utilizing GLP-1RAs. These new approaches offer promising benefits, such as improved effectiveness by targeting multiple pathways and reduced side effects. Additionally, the development of new uses, oral forms, and long-lasting preparations will be crucial in shaping the future market potential of GLP-1 drugs.

A phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danuglipron (PF-06882961), an oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

This study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danuglipron (PF-06882961), which is a novel, oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study enrolled adult Japanese participants with T2DM inadequately controlled on diet and exercise. Participants received twice-daily oral doses of placebo or multiple ascending doses of danuglipron titrated to 40, 80 or 120 mg twice daily over 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the safety and tolerability of danuglipron. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included plasma pharmacokinetics, glycaemic parameters and body weight.

RESULTS

In the 37 participants randomized, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events were nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and headache. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity. Dose-proportional increases in danuglipron exposure parameters were observed at steady state (Day 56). Significant reductions from baseline were observed with danuglipron on Day 56 for mean daily glucose [least squares mean (90% confidence interval) placebo-adjusted difference of up to -67.89 (-88.98, -46.79) mg/dl] and on Day 57 for fasting plasma glucose [up to -40.87 (-53.77, -27.98) mg/dl], glycated haemoglobin [up to -1.41% (-2.01%, -0.82%)] and body weight [up to -1.87 (-3.58, -0.17) kg].

CONCLUSIONS

In Japanese adults with T2DM, danuglipron exhibited dose-proportional increases in plasma exposure at steady state and robustly reduced glycaemic parameters and body weight after 8 weeks of dosing, with a safety profile consistent with the mechanism of action.

Can glucose-lowering medications improve outcomes in non-diabetic heart failure patients? A Bayesian network meta-analysis

AIMS

The cardioprotective effects of glucose-lowering medications in diabetic patients with heart failure (HF) are well known. Several large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have recently suggested that the cardioprotective effects of glucose-lowering medications extend to HF patients regardless of diabetic status. The aim of this study was to conduct a Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of various glucose-lowering medications on the outcomes of non-diabetic HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medline and Embase were searched for RCTs investigating the use of glucose-lowering medications in non-diabetic HF patients in August 2021. Studies were included in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted with a pre-defined datasheet. Primary outcomes include serum N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and maximal oxygen consumption (PVO2 ). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness of different classes of glucose-lowering medications in improving HF outcomes. Risk-of-bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool 2.0 for randomized trials (ROB2). Seven RCTs involving 2897 patients were included. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) was the most favourable in lowering NT-proBNP, with the significant reduction in NT-proBNP when compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) [mean differences (MD): -229.59 pg/mL, 95%-credible intervals (95%-CrI): -238.31 to -220.91], metformin (MD: -237.15 pg/mL, 95%-CrI: -256.19 to -218.14), and placebo (MD: -228.00 pg/mL, 95%-CrI: -233.99 to -221.99). SGLT2i was more effective in improving LVEF for HF with reduced ejection fraction patients relative to GLP1-RA (MD: 8.09%, 95%-CrI: 6.30 to 9.88) and placebo (MD: 6.10%, 95%-CrI: 4.37 to 7.84). SGLT2i and GLP1-RA were more favourable to placebo in improving PVO2 , with significant increase of PVO2 at a MD of 1.60 mL/kg/min (95%-CrI: 0.63 to 2.57) and 0.86 mL/kg/min (95%-CrI: 0.66 to 1.06), respectively. All three drugs had comparable safety profiles when compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

This Bayesian network meta-analysis demonstrated that SGLT2i, when compared with GLP1-RA and metformin, was superior in improving LVEF in HF with reduced ejection fraction patients, as well as improving PVO2 and NT-proBNP in non-diabetic HF patients. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

The current significance and prospects for the use of dual receptor agonism GLP-1/Glucagon

The therapeutic arsenal for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been enriched recently with the inclusion of type 1 glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) secondarily reduce appetite, decrease gastric emptying, and reduce body weight. This effect has been used to treat overweight/obesity, especially with comorbidities associated with T2DM. However, the first formulations and adverse effects gradually gave way to new formulations with fewer unpleasant effects and a more extended period of action (weekly subcutaneous administration and even oral administration), which improved the acceptance and adherence to the treatment. Therefore, titration of GLP-1RA should be done gradually. Furthermore, when side effects are consistent and intolerable after weeks/months of titration, a lower dose or a combination of antidiabetic therapies should be implemented, avoiding treatment interruption. The effort to produce increasingly powerful molecules with fewer side effects is the driving force behind the pharmaceutical industry. The unimolecular dual agonism GLP-1RA plus glucagon receptor agonism (GRA) represents an updated pharmacological indication for controlling blood glucose levels in treating T2DM and its comorbidities, showing better effects with less adverse impact than mono GLP-1RA. There are currently different proposals in this way by different laboratories. Nevertheless, the experimental results are promising and show that soon, we will have the contribution of new drugs for the treatment of T2DM.