Evaluating SGLT2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes: pharmacokinetic and toxicological considerations

Acute antiarrhythmic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors-dapagliflozin lowers the excitability of atrial cardiomyocytes

In recent years, SGLT2 inhibitors have become an integral part of heart failure therapy, and several mechanisms contributing to cardiorenal protection have been identified. In this study, we place special emphasis on the atria and investigate acute electrophysiological effects of dapagliflozin to assess the antiarrhythmic potential of SGLT2 inhibitors. Direct electrophysiological effects of dapagliflozin were investigated in patch clamp experiments on isolated atrial cardiomyocytes. Acute treatment with elevated-dose dapagliflozin caused a significant reduction of the action potential inducibility, the amplitude and maximum upstroke velocity. The inhibitory effects were reproduced in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and were more pronounced in atrial compared to ventricular cells. Hypothesizing that dapagliflozin directly affects the depolarization phase of atrial action potentials, we examined fast inward sodium currents in human atrial cardiomyocytes and found a significant decrease of peak sodium current densities by dapagliflozin, accompanied by a moderate inhibition of the transient outward potassium current. Translating these findings into a porcine large animal model, acute elevated-dose dapagliflozin treatment caused an atrial-dominant reduction of myocardial conduction velocity in vivo. This could be utilized for both, acute cardioversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation episodes and rhythm control of persistent atrial fibrillation. In this study, we show that dapagliflozin alters the excitability of atrial cardiomyocytes by direct inhibition of peak sodium currents. In vivo, dapagliflozin exerts antiarrhythmic effects, revealing a potential new additional role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of atrial arrhythmias.

Pharmacokinetic Properties of Dapagliflozin in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors attenuate incident cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of baseline GFR, in conservatively managed CKD. As this condition inexorably progresses to demanding KRT, drug withdrawal is supported by the current lack of evidence of safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in dialysis.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05343078 ) aimed at assessing the pharmacokinetic properties and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with kidney failure on regular dialysis regimens compared with those with type 2 diabetes and age- and sex-matched controls with normal kidney function. Peripheral blood samples were collected from both groups every 30 minutes for 4 hours and again after 48 hours after ingestion of dapagliflozin 10 mg, which occurred immediately before dialysis session initiation in the kidney failure group. This protocol occurred in drug-naïve patients and again after six daily doses of dapagliflozin to assess whether the drug had accumulated. The plasma and dialysate levels of dapagliflozin at each time point were determined by liquid chromatography and used to calculate pharmacokinetics parameters (peak concentration [C max ] and area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve) for each participant.

RESULTS

Dapagliflozin C max was 117 and 97.6 ng/ml in the kidney failure and control groups, respectively, whereas the corresponding accumulation ratios were 26.7% and 9.5%. No serious adverse events were reported for either group. Dapagliflozin recovered from dialysate corresponded to 0.10% of the administered dose.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with kidney failure on dialysis, dapagliflozin was well tolerated, was slightly dialyzable, and had nonaccumulating pharmacokinetic properties.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

Pharmacokinetics and Dialyzability of Dapagliflozin in Dialysis Patients (DARE-ESKD 1), NCT05343078.

Toxicological assessment of SGLT2 inhibitors metabolites using in silico approach

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the latest class of drugs approved to treat type 2 DM (T2DM). Although adverse effects are often caused by a metabolite rather than the drug itself, only the safety assessment of disproportionate drug metabolites is usually performed, which is of particular concern for drugs of chronic use, such as SGLT2i. Bearing this in mind, in silico tools are efficient strategies to reveal the risk assessment of metabolites, being endorsed by many regulatory agencies. Thereby, the goal of this study was to apply in silico methods to provide the metabolites toxicity assessment of the SGLT2i. Toxicological assessment from SGLT2i metabolites retrieved from the literature was estimated using the structure and/or statistical-based alert implemented in DataWarrior and ADMET predictorTM softwares. The drugs and their metabolites displayed no mutagenic, tumorigenic or cardiotoxic risks. Still, M1-2 and M3-1 were recognized as potential hepatotoxic compounds and M1-2, M1-3, M3-1, M3-2, M3-3 and M4-3, were estimated to have very toxic LD50 values in rats. All SGLT2i and the metabolites M3-4, M4-1 and M4-2, were predicted to have reproductive toxicity. These results support the awareness that metabolites may be potential mediators of drug-induced toxicities of the therapeutic agents.

Counteracting heart failure with diabetes drugs: a review into the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties

INTRODUCTION

: Heart failure (HF) is becoming a huge public health burden. New diabetes drugs for type 2 diabetes (T2D), sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), reduce the rate of hospitalization for HF in placebo-controlled trials.

AREAS COVERED

: Pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin (in presence of renal impairment and hepatic dysfunction, two comorbidities frequently associated with HF) and pharmacodynamic studies in patients with HF. Main HF outcomes in T2D patients with cardiovascular risk and in patients with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction, with or without T2D, from DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved original findings and post hoc analyses.

EXPERT OPINION

: No clinically relevant changes are expected concerning SGLT2i pharmacokinetics in patients with HF while pharmacodynamic studies reported improvements in myocardium/vascular parameters, biomarkers and functional status. All SGLT2is showed a remarkable reduction in hospitalization for HF in patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, both dapagliflozin and empagliflozin improved the prognosis of patients with HFrEF, independently of the presence of T2D. Similar results were reported with empagliflozin in patients with HFpEF, to be confirmed with dapagliflozin in an ongoing trial (DELIVER). Thus, SGLT2is offer a new opportunity for the prevention and management of HF in patients with or without T2D.

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Properties and Clinical Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Non-Asian and Asian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have a unique mode of action targeting the kidney. As their glucose-lowering potency declines with the reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate, their clinical use in patients with T2DM with chronic kidney disease has been submitted to restriction. However, recent observations demonstrated that SGLT2is reduce the progression of renal impairment in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease, with or without albuminuria. Furthermore, SGLT2is reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM at high cardiovascular risk, independently of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate. Thus, recent guidelines recommend the prescription of SGLT2is in patients with T2DM with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate between ≥ 30 and < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² and/or albuminuria. The present comprehensive review describes the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of SGLT2is commercialised worldwide and in Japan in patients with T2DM with mild, moderate and severe chronic kidney disease. Drug exposure increases when the estimated glomerular filtration rate declines but without a clear-cut relationship with the severity of chronic kidney disease and in a rather moderate amplitude that most often does not require a dose reduction in the presence of mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease. The urinary glucose excretion steadily declines with the reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate. This may explain a lower effect on glucose control, yet the positive effects on body weight and blood pressure still remain. The efficacy and safety of these SGLT2is are analysed among patients with stages 3a and 3b chronic kidney disease in placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials, with almost similar results in Asian and non-Asian individuals with T2DM. In summary, there is no reason not to prescribe SGLT2is in patients with T2DM with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease, especially if the aim is to benefit from cardiovascular and/or renal protection.

Cardiac Late Sodium Channel Current Is a Molecular Target for the Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin

BACKGROUND

SGLT2 (sodium/glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors exert robust cardioprotective effects against heart failure in patients with diabetes, and there is intense interest to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms that afford this protection. Because the induction of the late component of the cardiac sodium channel current (late-INa) is involved in the etiology of heart failure, we investigated whether these drugs inhibit late-INa.

METHODS

Electrophysiological, in silico molecular docking, molecular, calcium imaging, and whole heart perfusion techniques were used to address this question.

RESULTS

The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduced late-INa in cardiomyocytes from mice with heart failure and in cardiac Nav1.5 sodium channels containing the long QT syndrome 3 mutations R1623Q or ΔKPQ. Empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin are all potent and selective inhibitors of H2O2-induced late-INa (half maximal inhibitory concentration = 0.79, 0.58, and 1.26 µM, respectively) with little effect on peak sodium current. In mouse cardiomyocytes, empagliflozin reduced the incidence of spontaneous calcium transients induced by the late-INa activator veratridine in a similar manner to tetrodotoxin, ranolazine, and lidocaine. The putative binding sites for empagliflozin within Nav1.5 were investigated by simulations of empagliflozin docking to a three-dimensional homology model of human Nav1.5 and point mutagenic approaches. Our results indicate that empagliflozin binds to Nav1.5 in the same region as local anesthetics and ranolazine. In an acute model of myocardial injury, perfusion of isolated mouse hearts with empagliflozin or tetrodotoxin prevented activation of the cardiac NLRP3 (nuclear-binding domain-like receptor 3) inflammasome and improved functional recovery after ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence that late-INa may be an important molecular target in the heart for the SGLT2 inhibitors, contributing to their unexpected cardioprotective effects.

Anti-arrhythmic and inotropic effects of empagliflozin following myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND

Empagliflozin (EMPA) reduces heart failure hospitalization and mortality. The benefit in terms of ventricular arrhythmia and contractility has not been explored.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the direct effects of EMPA on ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac contractility in an ex-vivo model of global ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

METHODS

Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were subjected to 30 min of complete perfusion arrest and reperfusion. Either EMPA (1 μM) or normal saline (controls) was then infused into the perfusate in a randomized fashion. Ten minutes following drug infusion, calcium imaging was performed. At the end of each experiment, the heart was electrically stimulated 5 times to assess the inducibility of ventricular fibrillation (VF). In a separate series of experiments, left ventricular (LV) pressure and epicardial NADH fluorescence were simultaneously recorded. LV specimens were then collected for western blotting.

RESULTS

Post-ischemia, EMPA treatment was associated with reduction in the induction of VF >10s (rate of induction: 16.7 ± 3.3% vs. 60 ± 8.7% in control hearts, p = 0.003), improvement of LV developed pressure (LVDP; 68.10 ± 9.02% vs. 47.61 ± 5.15% in controls, p = 0.03) and reduction of NADH fluorescence (87.42 ± 2.79% vs. 112.88 ± 2.27% in control hearts, p = 0.04) along with an increase in NAD+/NADH ratio (2.75 ± 0.55 vs. 1.09 ± 0.32 in the control group, p = 0.04) A higher calcium amplitude alternans threshold was also observed with EMPA-treatment (5.42 ± 0.1 Hz vs. 4.75 ± 0.1 Hz in controls, p = 0.006). Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) expression was not detected in LV tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

EMPA treatment reduced ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability and mitigated contractile dysfunction in the global I/R model while improving calcium cycling and mitochondrial redox by SGLT2-independent mechanisms.

The Role of Glucagon in the Acute Therapeutic Effects of SGLT2 Inhibition

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) effectively lower plasma glucose (PG) concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes, but studies have suggested that circulating glucagon concentrations and endogenous glucose production (EGP) are increased by SGLT2i, possibly compromising their glucose-lowering ability. To tease out whether and how glucagon may influence the glucose-lowering effect of SGLT2 inhibition, we subjected 12 patients with type 2 diabetes to a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover, double-dummy study comprising, on 4 separate days, a liquid mixed-meal test preceded by single-dose administration of either 1) placebo, 2) the SGLT2i empagliflozin (25 mg), 3) the glucagon receptor antagonist LY2409021 (300 mg), or 4) the combination empagliflozin + LY2409021. Empagliflozin and LY2409021 individually lowered fasting PG compared with placebo, and the combination further decreased fasting PG. Previous findings of increased glucagon concentrations and EGP during acute administration of SGLT2i were not replicated in this study. Empagliflozin reduced postprandial PG through increased urinary glucose excretion. LY2409021 reduced EGP significantly but gave rise to a paradoxical increase in postprandial PG excursion, which was annulled by empagliflozin during their combination (empagliflozin + LY2409021). In conclusion, our findings do not support that an SGLT2i-induced glucagonotropic effect is of importance for the glucose-lowering property of SGLT2 inhibition.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: mechanisms of action in heart failure

Diabetes is a key independent risk factor in the development of heart failure (HF) and a strong, adverse prognostic factor in HF patients. HF remains the primary cause of hospitalisation for diabetics and, as previous studies have shown, when HF occurs in these patients, intensive glycaemic control does not directly improve the prognosis. Recent clinical studies assessing a new class of antidiabetic drugs, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) showed some unexpected beneficial results. Patients treated with SGLT2is had a significant decrease in both cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality and less hospitalisations due to HF compared to those given a placebo. These significant clinical benefits occurred quickly after the drugs were administered and were not solely due to improved glycaemic control. These groundbreaking clinical trials’ results have already changed clinical practice in the management of patients with diabetes at high CV risk. These trials have triggered numerous experimental studies aimed at explaining the mechanisms of action of this unique group of drugs. This article presents the current state of knowledge about the mechanisms of action of SGLT2is developed for the treatment of diabetes and which, thanks to their cardioprotective effects, may, in the future, become a treatment for patients with HF.

Amelioration of diastolic dysfunction by dapagliflozin in a non-diabetic model involves coronary endothelium

The results of trials with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors raised the possibility that this class of drugs provides cardiovascular benefits independently from their anti-diabetic effects, although the mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, we tested the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on the progression of experimental heart disease in a non-diabetic model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed a high-salt diet to induce hypertension and diastolic dysfunction and were then treated with dapagliflozin for six weeks. Dapagliflozin ameliorated diastolic function as documented by echo-Doppler and heart catheterization, while blood pressure remained markedly elevated. Chronic in vivo treatment with dapagliflozin reduced diastolic Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ overload and increased Ca²⁺ transient amplitude in ventricular cardiomyocytes, although no direct action of dapagliflozin on isolated cardiomyocytes was observed. Dapagliflozin reversed endothelial activation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficit, with reduced cardiac inflammation and consequent attenuation of pro-fibrotic signaling. The potential involvement of coronary endothelium was supported by the endothelial upregulation of Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1in vivo and direct effects on dapagliflozin on the activity of this exchanger in endothelial cells in vitro. In conclusions, several mechanisms may cumulatively play a significant role in the dapagliflozin-associated cardioprotection. Dapagliflozin ameliorates diastolic function and exerts a positive effect on the myocardium, possibly targeting coronary endothelium. The lower degree of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis translate into improved myocardial performance.

Comparative efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The comparative efficacy of individual SGLT2i remains unclear. We searched PubMed, www.clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials exploring the use of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin or ertugliflozin in patients with T2D. Comparators included placebo or any other active treatment. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure (HF). Evidence was synthesised using network meta-analysis (NMA). Sixty-four trials reporting on 74,874 patients were included. The overall quality of evidence was high. When compared with placebo, empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved all three endpoints, whereas dapagliflozin improved worsening HF. When compared with other SGLT2i, empagliflozin was superior for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality reduction. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Ertugliflozin had no effect on any of the three endpoints investigated. Sensitivity analyses including extension periods of trials or excluding studies with a treatment duration of < 52 weeks confirmed the main results. Similar results were obtained when restricting mortality analyses to patients included in cardiovascular outcome trials (n = 38,719). Empagliflozin and canagliflozin improved survival with empagliflozin being superior to the other SGLT2i. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin had similar effects on improving worsening HF. Prospective head-to-head comparisons would be needed to confirm these results.

SGLT2 Inhibitors Play a Salutary Role in Heart Failure via Modulation of the Mitochondrial Function

Three cardiovascular outcome trials of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, CANVAS Program, and DECLARE TIMI 58 trial, revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors were superior to a matching placebo in reducing cardiovascular events, including mortality and hospitalization for heart failure, in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the beneficial effects that SGLT2 inhibitors exert on cardiovascular diseases remains to be elucidated. We herein review the latest findings of the salutary mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiomyocytes, especially focusing on their mitochondrial function-mediated beneficial effects. The administration of SGLT2 inhibitors leads to the elevation of plasma levels of ketone bodies, which are an efficient energy source in the failing heart, by promoting oxidation of the mitochondrial coenzyme Q couple and enhancing the free energy of cytosolic ATP hydrolysis. SGLT2 inhibitors also promote sodium metabolism-mediated cardioprotective effects. These compounds could reduce the intracellular sodium overload to improve mitochondrial energetics and oxidative defense in the heart through binding with NHE and/or SMIT1. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors could modulate mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the fusion and fission of mitochondria. Together with ongoing large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure, intensive investigations regarding the mechanism through which SGLT2 inhibitors promote the restoration in cases of heart failure would lead to the establishment of these drugs as potent anti-heart failure drugs.

Renal Benefits of SGLT 2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Evidence Supporting a Paradigm Shift in the Medical Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most perilous side effects of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 (T1DM and T2DM).). It is known that sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT 2i) and glucagone like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have renoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms are still unknown. In clinical trials GLP-1 analogs exerted important impact on renal composite outcomes, primarily on macroalbuminuria, possibly through suppression of inflammation-related pathways, however enhancement of natriuresis and diuresis is also one of possible mechanisms of nephroprotection. Dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin are SGLT2i drugs, useful in reducing hyperglycemia and in their potential renoprotective mechanisms, which include blood pressure control, body weight loss, intraglomerular pressure reduction, and a decrease in urinary proximal tubular injury biomarkers. In this review we have discussed the potential synergistic and/or additive effects of GLP 1 RA and SGLT2 inhibitors on the primary onset and progression of kidney disease, and the potential implications on current guidelines of diabetes type 2 management.

Inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 preserves cardiac function during regional myocardial ischemia independent of alterations in myocardial substrate utilization

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of SGLT2i on cardiac contractile function, substrate utilization, and efficiency before and during regional myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in normal, metabolically healthy swine. Lean swine received placebo or canagliflozin (300 mg PO) 24 h prior to and the morning of an invasive physiologic study protocol. Hemodynamic and cardiac function measurements were obtained at baseline, during a 30-min complete occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery, and during a 2-h reperfusion period. Blood pressure, heart rate, coronary flow, and myocardial oxygen consumption were unaffected by canagliflozin treatment. Ventricular volumes remained unchanged in controls throughout the protocol. At the onset of ischemia, canagliflozin produced acute large increases in left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volumes which returned to baseline with reperfusion. Canagliflozin-mediated increases in end-diastolic volume were directly associated with increases in stroke volume and stroke work relative to controls during ischemia. Canagliflozin also increased cardiac work efficiency during ischemia relative to control swine. No differences in myocardial uptake of glucose, lactate, free fatty acids or ketones, were noted between treatment groups at any time. In separate experiments using a longer 60 min coronary occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion, canagliflozin increased end-diastolic volume and stroke volume and significantly diminished myocardial infarct size relative to control swine. These data demonstrate that SGLT2i with canagliflozin preserves cardiac contractile function and efficiency during regional myocardial ischemia and provides ischemia protection independent of alterations in myocardial substrate utilization.

Direct Cardiac Actions of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Target Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Heart Failure in Diabetic Patients

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the first antidiabetic compounds that effectively reduce heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetics. Being explicitly designed to inhibit SGLT2 in the kidney, SGLT2i have lately been investigated for their off-target cardiac actions. Here, we review the direct effects of SGLT2i Empagliflozin (Empa), Dapagliflozin (Dapa), and Canagliflozin (Cana) on various cardiac cell types and cardiac function, and how these may contribute to the cardiovascular benefits observed in large clinical trials. SGLT2i impaired the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1 (NHE-1), reduced cytosolic [Ca²⁺] and [Na⁺] and increased mitochondrial [Ca²⁺] in healthy cardiomyocytes. Empa, one of the best studied SGLT2i, maintained cell viability and ATP content following hypoxia/reoxygenation in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. SGLT2i recovered vasoreactivity of hyperglycemic and TNF-α-stimulated aortic rings and of hyperglycemic endothelial cells. Anti-inflammatory actions of Cana in IL-1β-treated HUVEC and of Dapa in LPS-treated cardiofibroblast were mediated by AMPK activation. In isolated mouse hearts, Empa and Cana, but not Dapa, induced vasodilation. In ischemia-reperfusion studies of the isolated heart, Empa delayed contracture development during ischemia and increased mitochondrial respiration post-ischemia. Direct cardiac effects of SGLT2i target well-known drivers of diabetes and heart failure (elevated cardiac cytosolic [Ca²⁺] and [Na⁺], activated NHE-1, elevated inflammation, impaired vasorelaxation, and reduced AMPK activity). These cardiac effects may contribute to the large beneficial clinical effects of these antidiabetic drugs.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Large-Scale Cardiovascular Outcome Studies and Possible Mechanisms of Benefit

Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, conventional antihyperglycemic medications seem to have minimal effect on lowering CV risk despite achieving excellent reductions in glycated hemoglobin A1c and associated reductions in microvascular risk. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as noteworthy antihyperglycemic agents with concomitant CV and renal protection in T2DM patients. In this comprehensive review, we present the key CV findings from major large-scale outcome trials of SGLT2 inhibitors to date. We also review the mechanistic studies that might explain the CV benefits of SGLT2 inhibition in patients with T2DM.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics and Clinical Efficacy of an SGLT2 Inhibitor Plus DPP-4 Inhibitor Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) generally requires a combination of several pharmacological approaches to control hyperglycaemia. Combining a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor (SGLT2I, also known as gliflozin) and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4I, also known as gliptin) appears to be an attractive strategy because of complementary modes of action. This narrative review analyzes the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of different combined therapies with an SGLT2I (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, ipragliflozin, luseogliflozin, tofogliflozin) and DPP-4I (linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, teneligliptin). Drug-drug pharmacokinetic interaction studies do not show any significant changes in peak concentrations (C _max) and total exposure (area under the curve of plasma concentrations [AUC]) of either drug when they were administered together orally compared with corresponding values when each of them was absorbed alone. Two fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are already available (dapagliflozin-saxagliptin, empagliflozin-linagliptin) and others are in development (ertugliflozin-sitagliptin). Preliminary results show bioequivalence of the two medications administered as FDC tablets when compared with coadministration of the individual tablets. Dual therapy is more potent than either monotherapy in patients treated with diet and exercise or already treated with metformin. SGLT2I and DPP-4I could be used as initial combination or in a stepwise approach. The additional glucose-lowering effect appears to be more marked when a gliflozin is added to a gliptin than when a gliptin is added to a gliflozin. Combining the two pharmacological options is safe and does not induce hypoglycaemia.

Class effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in mouse cardiomyocytes and hearts: inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger, lowering of cytosolic Na+ and vasodilation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) constitute a novel class of glucose-lowering (type 2) kidney-targeted agents. We recently reported that the SGLT2i empagliflozin (EMPA) reduced cardiac cytosolic Na+ ([Na+]c) and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) concentrations through inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE). Here, we examine (1) whether the SGLT2i dapagliflozin (DAPA) and canagliflozin (CANA) also inhibit NHE and reduce [Na+]c; (2) a structural model for the interaction of SGLT2i to NHE; (3) to what extent SGLT2i affect the haemodynamic and metabolic performance of isolated hearts of healthy mice.

METHODS

Cardiac NHE activity and [Na+]c in mouse cardiomyocytes were measured in the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of EMPA (1 μmol/l), DAPA (1 μmol/l), CANA (3 μmol/l) or vehicle. NHE docking simulation studies were applied to explore potential binding sites for SGTL2i. Constant-flow Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to SGLT2i for 30 min, and cardiovascular function, O2 consumption and energetics (phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP) were determined.

RESULTS

EMPA, DAPA and CANA inhibited NHE activity (measured through low pH recovery after NH4+ pulse: EMPA 6.69 ± 0.09, DAPA 6.77 ± 0.12 and CANA 6.80 ± 0.18 vs vehicle 7.09 ± 0.09; p < 0.001 for all three comparisons) and reduced [Na+]c (in mmol/l: EMPA 10.0 ± 0.5, DAPA 10.7 ± 0.7 and CANA 11.0 ± 0.9 vs vehicle 12.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.001). Docking studies provided high binding affinity of all three SGLT2i with the extracellular Na+-binding site of NHE. EMPA and CANA, but not DAPA, induced coronary vasodilation of the intact heart. PCr/ATP remained unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

EMPA, DAPA and CANA directly inhibit cardiac NHE flux and reduce [Na+]c, possibly by binding with the Na+-binding site of NHE-1. Furthermore, EMPA and CANA affect the healthy heart by inducing vasodilation. The [Na+]c-lowering class effect of SGLT2i is a potential approach to combat elevated [Na+]c that is known to occur in heart failure and diabetes.

Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin tablets for adults with type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Saxagliptin (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, DPP-4i) and dapagliflozin (a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor, SGLT2i) improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) through different potentially complementary mechanisms, thus offering the opportunity for a combined therapy. Area covered: The characteristics of the saxagliptin/dapagliflozin combination are analysed, focusing on: 1) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties; 2) efficacy and safety in phase III trials with concurrent and sequential add-on therapy; and 3) potential use in clinical practice, including in special populations (cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, elderly). Expert commentary: Conclusions drawn from clinical trials investigating combination with the separate drugs are considered to apply to the fixed-dose combination (FDC) that demonstrates bioequivalence. Dual saxagliptin/dapagliflozin therapy is more potent than either monotherapy and can be used as an initial combination or a stepwise sequential approach. Dual therapy is generally well tolerated and may be used in special populations, with some limitations because of the presence of dapagliflozin. However, the latter may offer some advantages because of multiple effects attributed to SGLT2i. The best place of this dual combination for the management of T2D and the profile of patients who will make the most of this combined therapy remains to be defined.

DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS: NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS

In economically developed countries, cirrhosis is one of the six leading causes of death at the age of 35–60 years and ranges from 14 to 30 cases per 100000 population. In the world 40 million people die of cirrhosis each year. At 6% of the population of the Russian Federation there is a diabetes mellitus. The combination of diabetes mellitus in patients with cirrhosis of the liver is a common comorbid pathology. Diabetes mellitusis a risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis, and the incidence of combination of both diseases is quite high, although the frequency of occurrence varies. About 80% of patients with LC may have impaired glucose metabolism, and 30% have diabetes mellitus. Prospective studies have shown that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing hepatic complications and death in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of complications of liver cirrhosis of any etiology (varicose veins of the esophagus, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic-cell insufficiency) and subsequent survival. The incidence, frequency of hospitalizations and mortality from this combined pathology are very high. There are common mechanisms that provoke metabolic and autoimmune disorders in the development of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, leading to steatosis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and the development of diabetes mellitus. There are certain features of the evaluation of the compensation of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, anemia and impaired protein metabolism. Effective control of glycemia can have a beneficial effect on the treatment of these patients. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic drugs and the effect of diabetes treatment on morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Previously it was believed that in the presence of cirrhosis the only treatment remains insulin. At present, in connection with the emergence of modern groups of hypoglycemic drugs, as well as new approaches to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this concept has radically changed. Unfortunately, the issues of correction of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis of the liver are practically not covered in the world literature. This article deals with the correction of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular insufficiency of insulin analogs, biguanides, drugs with incretin effect — dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 inhibitors, agonists of glucagon-like peptide‑1, inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 diabetes. Particular attention is paid to the development of hepatocellular insufficiency and portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes, as well as processes for their prevention and insulin alternative correction methods.

Combination SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy: a complementary approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Among persons with type 2 diabetes (t2d), the development of glucose intolerance involves dysfunction in several organs and tissues, including the muscle, liver, pancreas, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and brain. individuals with t2d typically have a number of comorbidities, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and being overweight or obese, and are, consequently, at high cardiovascular risk. guidelines recommend a comprehensive care strategy that includes treatment of diabetes-related complications and comorbidities beyond those related to hyperglycemia. use of glucose-lowering therapies with complementary activities that address multiple facets of the disease may improve long-term outcomes for patients with t2d. two recent drug classes developed for use in t2d, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (glp-1ras) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (sglt2) inhibitors, have been shown in clinical trials to have beneficial effects on glycemic control, body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and (for liraglutide, semaglutide, and empagliflozin) cardiovascular outcomes, while having an acceptable safety profile. between them, these drug classes directly or indirectly affect many of the organs and tissues involved in the pathogenesis of t2d, and their beneficial effects on glycemic- and cardiovascular-related parameters are likely to be complementary and potentially additive. in the largest clinical trial of a glp-1ra and an sglt2 inhibitor in combination (duration-8), patients with t2d (n = 685) who received exenatide plus dapagliflozin added to their treatment regimen for 28 weeks had significantly greater reductions from baseline in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and systolic blood pressure compared with patients who received either drug as monotherapy. this review summarizes the complementary aspects of these drug classes and presents the available data among patients receiving dual therapy with a glp-1ra and an sglt2 inhibitor.

Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Combining a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor is an attractive option to treat hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. Areas covered: The saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin combination is carefully analysed, focusing on: 1) pharmacokinetic properties, 2) pharmacodynamics data, and 3) results of randomised controlled trials (dual combination versus either monotherapy, sequential therapy saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin added to saxagliptin). Expert opinion: Pharmacokinetic findings demonstrate the absence of drug-drug interaction and the bioequivalence of the FDC compared with separated tablets. Pharmacodynamic observations confirm a complementary mode of action of the two agents. Dual saxagliptin-dapagliflozin therapy is more potent than either monotherapy. It may be used as an initial combination, although this approach remains debatable and should probably be reserved in case of high glycated hemoglobin, or a stepwise strategy, according to a personalized approach. The developed saxagliptin-dapagliflozin FDC may simplify anti-hyperglycemic therapy and improve drug compliance.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors combined with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes: a review of current clinical evidence and rationale

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive and multifactorial cardiometabolic disorder. Almost half of adults with diabetes fail to achieve their recommended glucose control target. This has prompted some clinicians to advocate the use of more intensive initial therapy, including the use of combination therapy to target multiple physiologic defects in diabetes with the goal of achieving and sustaining glucose control. Numerous options exist for combining the various classes of glucose-lowering agents in the treatment of T2DM. This report reviews the mechanism, rationale, and evidence from clinical trials for combining two of the newer drug classes, namely, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and considers the possible role of such dual therapy in the management of T2DM.

Following the results of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial with empagliflozin, is it possible to speak of a class effect?

Background

The recently published cardiovascular outcomes data for the first sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, empagliflozin, have shown cardiovascular safety and additional benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Empagliflozin showed lower rates of death from cardiovascular causes or from any causes and lower hospitalization rates from heart failure compared with placebo, both in addition to standard care. This commentary discusses the existence of a possible class effect considering the available evidence described for other SGLT2 inhibitors.

Main text

Empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin share the same mechanism of action, and it is a plausible hypothesis that some of the benefits of empagliflozin treatment could also be expected from other SGLT2 inhibitors. However, the rapid and persistent occurrence of cardiovascular benefits observed with empagliflozin and the different results shown by the three inhibitors in meta-analyses of some of their respective Phase II and III trials might suggest another possible mechanism of action, perhaps related to the different selectivity to inhibit SGLT-2 and other SGLT family members that these compounds present.

Conclusion

There is still lack of evidence to answer whether the cardiovascular benefits observed with empagliflozin in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study could be seen as a “class effect”, which is also attributable to dapagliflozin and canagliflozin.

Role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

In the last ten years, knowledge on pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has significantly increased, with multiple failures (decreased incretin effect, increased lipolysis, increased glucagon secretion, neurotransmitters dysfunction) recognized as important contributors, together with decreased insulin secretion and reduced peripheral glucose uptake. As a consequence, the pharmacologic therapy of T2DM has been progressively enriched by several novel classes of drugs, trying to overcome these defects. The last, intriguing compounds come into the market are SGLT2 inhibitors, framing the kidney in a different scenario, not as site of a harmful disease complication, but rather as the means to correct hyperglycemia and fight the disease. This review aims to offer a short, updated overview of the role of these compounds in the treatment of T2DM, focusing on efficacy, ancillary albeit relevant clinical effects, safety, potential cardiovascular protection, positioning in common therapeutic algorithms.

Non-insulin anti-diabetic drugs: An update on pharmacological interactions

Nowadays, the goal in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains personalized control of glucose. Since less than 50% of patients with T2DM achieve glycemic treatment goal and most of them take medications for comorbidities associated to T2DM, drug interactions, namely pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, may enhance or reduce the effect of compounds involved in hyperglycemia. Hence, clinicians should be aware of the severe complications in T2DM patients in case of a concomitant use of these medications. It is within this context that this review aims to evaluate the effect of a second drug on the pharmacokinetic of these compounds which may lead, along with several pharmacodynamic interactions, to severe clinical complications, i.e., hypoglycemia. Available drugs already approved in Europe, USA and Japan have been included.

Drug-drug interactions between immunosuppressants and antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of post-transplant diabetes mellitus

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus is a frequent complication of solid organ transplantation that generally requires treatment with lifestyle interventions and antidiabetic medication. A number of demonstrated and potential pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) exist between commonly used immunosuppressants and antidiabetic drugs, which are comprehensively summarized in this review. Cyclosporine (CsA) itself inhibits the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme and a variety of drug transporters. As a result, it increases exposure to repaglinide and sitagliptin, will likely increase the exposure to nateglinide, glyburide, saxagliptin, vildagliptin and alogliptin, and could theoretically increase the exposure to gliquidone and several sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT)-2 inhibitors. Currently available data, although limited, suggest that these increases are modest and, particularly with regard to gliptins and SGLT-2 inhibitors, unlikely to result in hypoglycemia. The interaction with repaglinide is more pronounced but does not preclude concomitant use if repaglinide dose is gradually titrated. Mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine do not engage in DDIs with any antidiabetic drug. Although calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) are intrinsically prone to DDIs, their disposition is not influenced by metformin, pioglitazone, sulfonylureas (except possibly glyburide) or insulin. An effect of gliptins on the disposition of CNIs and mTORi is unlikely, but has not been definitively ruled out. Based on their disposition profiles, glyburide and canagliflozin could affect CNI and mTORi disposition although this requires further study. Finally, delayed gastric emptying as a result of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists seems to have a limited, but not necessarily negligible effect on CNI disposition.

Dapagliflozin Binds Specifically to Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 in the Proximal Renal Tubule

Kidneys contribute to glucose homeostasis by reabsorbing filtered glucose in the proximal tubules via sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs). Reabsorption is primarily handled by SGLT2, and SGLT2-specific inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin, increase glucose excretion and lower blood glucose levels. To resolve unanswered questions about these inhibitors, we developed a novel approach to map the distribution of functional SGLT2 proteins in rodents using positron emission tomography with 4-[¹⁸F]fluoro-dapagliflozin (F-Dapa). We detected prominent binding of intravenously injected F-Dapa in the kidney cortexes of rats and wild-type and Sglt1-knockout mice but not Sglt2-knockout mice, and injection of SGLT2 inhibitors prevented this binding. Furthermore, imaging revealed only low levels of F-Dapa in the urinary bladder, even after displacement of kidney binding with dapagliflozin. Microscopic ex vitro autoradiography of kidney showed F-Dapa binding to the apical surface of early proximal tubules. Notably, in vivo imaging did not show measureable specific binding of F-Dapa in heart, muscle, salivary glands, liver, or brain. We propose that F-Dapa is freely filtered by the kidney, binds to SGLT2 in the apical membranes of the early proximal tubule, and is subsequently reabsorbed into blood. The high density of functional SGLT2 transporters detected in the apical membrane of the proximal tubule but not detected in other organs likely accounts for the high kidney specificity of SGLT2 inhibitors. Overall, these data are consistent with data from clinical studies on SGLT2 inhibitors and provide a rationale for the mode of action of these drugs.

Benefits/risks of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin in women for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as canagliflozin, are used in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In clinical studies, canagliflozin significantly reduced A1C, bodyweight and blood pressure, and was generally well tolerated with no increased risk of hypoglycemia. Most common adverse effects observed were genital mycotic infections and urinary tract infections, and increased urination. Approximately 10% of women treated with canagliflozin experienced a genital mycotic infection compared with 3% treated with placebo; those with a prior history were at greater risk. Approximately 9% of women treated with canagliflozin reported a urinary tract infection compared with 7% treated with placebo. Most adverse events were considered mild to moderate in intensity and responded to standard therapy. Treatment with canagliflozin was effective and generally well tolerated in both women (and men) with T2DM.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition: cardioprotection by treating diabetes-a translational viewpoint explaining its potential salutary effects

Diabetes is a growing epidemic worldwide characterized by an elevated concentration of blood glucose, associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although in general reduction of hyperglycaemia is considered a therapeutic goal, hypoglycaemic therapies do not necessarily reduce cardiovascular mortality and may even aggravate cardiovascular risk factors, such as body weight. A new class of antidiabetic drugs acts by inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), which (partially) prevents reabsorption of glucose from the renal filtrate. The induction of glucose excretion via the urine (glycosuria) was turned into an effective strategy to reduce blood glucose. Ancillary advantages are the caloric and volumetric loss and thereby the reduction of body weight and blood pressure. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibition has been suggested to exert direct cardioprotective effects by the reduction of cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This article summarizes the functional consequences of SGLT2 inhibition on the diabetic and hyperglycaemic organism. We especially focused on the effects on the kidney and the cardiovascular system as described in experimental studies. The interesting observations in experimental studies may extend to clinical medicine, as a recent trial reported a decrease in heart failure outcomes in patients at high cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibition represents a novel treatment, which might be a promising target not only to (further) reduce blood glucose but also to target other cardiovascular risk factors. More research and long-term follow-ups will reveal the specific influence of SGLT2 inhibition on the circulatory system and cardiovascular outcomes.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) are proposed as a novel approach for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. SGLT2 cotransporters are responsible for reabsorption of 90 % of the glucose filtered by the kidney. The glucuretic effect resulting from SGLT2 inhibition contributes to reduce hyperglycaemia and also assists weight loss and blood pressure reduction. Several SGLT2 inhibitors are already available in many countries (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin) and in Japan (ipragliflozin, tofogliflozin). These SGLT2 inhibitors share similar pharmacokinetic characteristics with a rapid oral absorption, a long elimination half-life allowing once-daily administration, an extensive hepatic metabolism mainly via glucuronidation to inactive metabolites and a low renal elimination as a parent drug. Pharmacokinetic parameters are slightly altered in the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD). While no dose adjustment is required in the case of mild CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors may not be used or only at a lower daily dose in patients with moderate CKD. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic response to SGLT2 inhibitors as assessed by urinary glucose excretion declines with increasing severity of renal impairment as assessed by a reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Nevertheless, the glucose-lowering efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors are almost comparable in patients with mild CKD as in patients with normal kidney function. In patients with moderate CKD, the efficacy tends to be dampened and safety concerns may occur. In patients with severe CKD, the use of SGLT2 inhibitors is contraindicated. Thus, prescribing information should be consulted regarding dosage adjustments or restrictions in the case of renal dysfunction for each SGLT2 inhibitor. The clinical impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function and their potential to influence the course of diabetic nephropathy deserve attention because of preliminary favourable results in animal models.

SGLT2 inhibition: efficacy and safety in type 2 diabetes treatment

INTRODUCTION

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) offer a new opportunity for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These agents reduce hyperglycemia by decreasing the renal glucose threshold and thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion. Subsequent reduction of glucotoxicity improves beta-cell sensitivity to glucose and tissue insulin sensitivity.

AREAS COVERED

This article analyzes the efficacy and safety data of canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in randomized controlled trials of 24 - 104 weeks duration, compared with placebo or an active comparator, in patients treated with diet/exercise, metformin, dual oral therapy or insulin.

EXPERT OPINION

SGLT2 inhibitors significantly and consistently reduce glycated hemoglobin, with a minimal risk of hypoglycemia. The improvement of glucose control is similar or slightly better compared with metformin, sulfonylureas or sitagliptin, with the add-on value of significant reductions in body weight and blood pressure. However, caution is recommended in fragile elderly patients and patients with chronic kidney disease. An increased risk of genital mycotic infections is observed, but urinary tract infections are rare. Concern about an unexpected risk of euglycemic ketoacidosis has been recently reported. A possible renal protection deserves further attention. A remarkable reduction in cardiovascular mortality was reported in EMPA-REG OUTCOME with empagliflozin.

Nephroprotection by Hypoglycemic Agents: Do We Have Supporting Data?

Current therapy directed at delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy includes intensive glycemic and optimal blood pressure control, renin angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and multifactorial intervention. However, the renal protection provided by these therapeutic modalities is incomplete. There is a scarcity of studies analysing the nephroprotective effect of antihyperglycaemic drugs beyond their glucose lowering effect and improved glycaemic control on the prevention and progression of diabetic nephropathy. This article analyzes the exisiting data about older and newer drugs as well as the mechanisms associated with hypoglycemic drugs, apart from their well known blood glucose lowering effect, in the prevention and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Most of them have been tested in humans, but with varying degrees of success. Although experimental data about most of antihyperglycemic drugs has shown a beneficial effect in kidney parameters, there is a lack of clinical trials that clearly prove these beneficial effects. The key question, however, is whether antihyperglycemic drugs are able to improve renal end-points beyond their antihyperglycemic effect. Existing experimental data are post hoc studies from clinical trials, and supportive of the potential renal-protective role of some of them, especially in the cases of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Dedicated and adequately powered renal trials with renal outcomes are neccessary to assess the nephrotection of antihyperglycaemic drugs beyond the control of hyperglycaemia.

Canagliflozin Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Current guidelines for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) indicate a patient-centered approach that should go beyond glycemic control. Of the many antihyperglycemic agents available for treatment of T2DM, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer the advantages of reduced glycated hemoglobin (A1C), body weight (BW), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and are associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia when used either as monotherapy or with other agents not typically associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia. Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams are best suited to provide care to patients with diabetes, and clinical pharmacists can enhance the care provided by these teams. This review aims to provide insight into the mode of action, pharmacology, potential drug-drug interactions, clinical benefits, and safety considerations associated with use of the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin in patients with T2DM and to provide information to enhance clinical pharmacists' understanding of canagliflozin.

Pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) are proposed as a novel approach for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several compounds are already available in many countries (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin and ipragliflozin) and some others are in a late phase of development. The available SGLT2 inhibitors share similar pharmacokinetic characteristics, with a rapid oral absorption, a long elimination half-life allowing once-daily administration, an extensive hepatic metabolism mainly via glucuronidation to inactive metabolites, the absence of clinically relevant drug-drug interactions and a low renal elimination as parent drug. SGLT2 co-transporters are responsible for reabsorption of most (90 %) of the glucose filtered by the kidneys. The pharmacological inhibition of SGLT2 co-transporters reduces hyperglycaemia by decreasing renal glucose threshold and thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion. The amount of glucose excreted in the urine depends on both the level of hyperglycaemia and the glomerular filtration rate. Results of numerous placebo-controlled randomised clinical trials of 12-104 weeks duration have shown significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), resulting in a significant increase in the proportion of patients reaching HbA1c targets, and a significant lowering of fasting plasma glucose when SGLT2 inhibitors were administered as monotherapy or in addition to other glucose-lowering therapies including insulin in patients with T2DM. In head-to-head trials of up to 2 years, SGLT2 inhibitors exerted similar glucose-lowering activity to metformin, sulphonylureas or sitagliptin. The durability of the glucose-lowering effect of SGLT2 inhibitors appears to be better; however, this remains to be more extensively investigated. The risk of hypoglycaemia was much lower with SGLT2 inhibitors than with sulphonylureas and was similarly low as that reported with metformin, pioglitazone or sitagliptin. Increased renal glucose elimination also assists weight loss and could help to reduce blood pressure. Both effects were very consistent across the trials and they represent some advantages for SGLT2 inhibitors when compared with other oral glucose-lowering agents. The pharmacodynamic response to SGLT2 inhibitors declines with increasing severity of renal impairment, and prescribing information for each SGLT2 inhibitor should be consulted regarding dosage adjustments or restrictions in moderate to severe renal dysfunction. Caution is also recommended in the elderly population because of a higher risk of renal impairment, orthostatic hypotension and dehydration, even if the absence of hypoglycaemia represents an obvious advantage in this population. The overall effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the risk of cardiovascular disease is unknown and will be evaluated in several ongoing prospective placebo-controlled trials with cardiovascular outcomes. The impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function and their potential to influence the course of diabetic nephropathy also deserve more attention. SGLT2 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse events are female genital mycotic infections, while urinary tract infections are less commonly observed and generally benign. In conclusion, with their unique mechanism of action that is independent of insulin secretion and action, SGLT2 inhibitors are a useful addition to the therapeutic options available for the management of T2DM at any stage in the natural history of the disease. Although SGLT2 inhibitors have already been extensively investigated, further studies should even better delineate the best place of these new glucose-lowering agents in the already rich armamentarium for the management of T2DM.

Short commentary on empagliflozin and its potential clinical impact

Sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of drug developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They target the kidney by reducing renal glucose reabsorption and promoting urinary glucose excretion, which reduces hyperglycemia in individuals with T2DM. The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin has gained approval in the EU and in the USA for the treatment of adults with T2DM (there is no current indication in type 1 diabetes). Empagliflozin has shown a good efficacy and safety profile from clinical trials when given as monotherapy, and as an add-on therapy to other glucose-lowering agents. This short commentary reviews the key efficacy and safety data from empagliflozin phase III trials and examines the potential role this agent may have in the management of T2DM.

Drug-drug interactions with sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, new oral glucose-lowering agents for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) reduce hyperglycaemia by decreasing renal glucose threshold and thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion. They are proposed as a novel approach for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They have proven their efficacy in reducing glycated haemoglobin, without inducing hypoglycaemia, as monotherapy or in combination with various other glucose-lowering agents, with the add-on value of promoting some weight loss and lowering arterial blood pressure. As they may be used concomitantly with many other drugs, we review the potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) regarding the three leaders in the class (dapagliglozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin). Most of the available studies were performed in healthy volunteers and have assessed the pharmacokinetic interferences with a single administration of the SGLT2 inhibitor. The exposure [assessed by peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)] to each SGLT2 inhibitor tested was not significantly influenced by the concomitant administration of other glucose-lowering agents or cardiovascular agents commonly used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Reciprocally, these medications did not influence the pharmacokinetic parameters of dapagliflozin, canagliflozin or empagliflozin. Some modest changes were not considered as clinically relevant. However, drugs that could specifically interfere with the metabolic pathways of SGLT2 inhibitors [rifampicin, inhibitors or inducers of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)] may result in significant changes in the exposure of SGLT2 inhibitors, as shown for dapagliflozin and canagliflozin. Potential DDIs in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving chronic treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor deserve further attention, especially in individuals treated with several medications or in more fragile patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment.

Renal effects of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus was originally conceived as a renal disorder. In the last decade, however, there has been renewed interest in role of the kidney in the development and maintenance of high glucose levels. This has led to the development of novel agents to inhibit sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) as a means to better control glucose levels and at the same time augment calorie wasting and lower insulin, blood pressure and uric acid levels. Such actions, indirectly, may also have benefits for the prevention of diabetic complications including renal disease. However, there are also data to support the potential for direct renoprotective actions arising from inhibition of SGLT2, including actions to attenuate diabetes-associated hyperfiltration and tubular hypertrophy, as well as reduce the tubular toxicity of glucose. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in albumin excretion in various experimental models, independent of its effects on blood pressure or glucose control. Although promising, such actions remain to be established by comprehensive clinical trials with a renal focus, many of which are currently in progress. This article reviews the clinical and experimental data pertaining to the renal effects of SGLT2 inhibition with a particular focus on dapaglifozin.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor

Empagliflozin is an orally active, potent and selective inhibitor of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), currently in clinical development to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin, are the first pharmacological class of antidiabetes agents to target the kidney in order to remove excess glucose from the body and, thus, offer new options for T2DM management. SGLT2 inhibitors exert their effects independently of insulin. Following single and multiple oral doses (0.5-800 mg), empagliflozin was rapidly absorbed and reached peak plasma concentrations after approximately 1.33-3.0 h, before showing a biphasic decline. The mean terminal half-life ranged from 5.6 to 13.1 h in single rising-dose studies, and from 10.3 to 18.8 h in multiple-dose studies. Following multiple oral doses, increases in exposure were dose-proportional and trough concentrations remained constant after day 6, indicating a steady state had been reached. Oral clearance at steady state was similar to corresponding single-dose values, suggesting linear pharmacokinetics with respect to time. No clinically relevant alterations in pharmacokinetics were observed in mild to severe hepatic impairment, or in mild to severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease. Clinical studies did not reveal any relevant drug-drug interactions with several other drugs commonly prescribed to patients with T2DM, including warfarin. Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) rates were higher with empagliflozin versus placebo and increased with dose, but no relevant impact on 24-h urine volume was observed. Increased UGE resulted in proportional reductions in fasting plasma glucose and mean daily glucose concentrations.