Insulin glargine 300 U/mL for basal insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL in People with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Basal Insulin: The 26-Week Interventional, Single-Arm ARTEMIS-DM Study

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled on basal insulin (BI) has been demonstrated in the North American and Western European populations; however, there is limited data from other geographical regions with different ethnicities. The ARTEMIS-DM study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gla-300 in people with T2DM uncontrolled on BI from Asia, Latin America and Middle East Africa.

METHODS

The ARTEMIS-DM was a 26-week, prospective, interventional, single-arm, phase IV study (NCT03760991). Adults with T2DM previously uncontrolled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA_1c] 7.5-10%) on BI were switched to Gla-300. The primary endpoint was change in HbA_1c from baseline to 26 weeks. Key secondary endpoints were changes in HbA_1c (week 12), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and BI dose from baseline to week 26. The safety and tolerability of Gla-300 were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 372 (50% male) participants were included, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 60.9 (10.0) years, duration of diabetes 13.11 (7.48) years and baseline HbA_1c 8.67 (0.77)% (71.22 [8.44] mmol/mol). A total of 222 (59.7%) participants were using insulin glargine 100 U/mL and 107 (28.8%) were using neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin as previous BI. There were clinically significant reductions in mean HbA_1c (- 0.82%; primary endpoint), FPG and SMPG levels at week 26. With a pre-defined titration algorithm, mean Gla-300 dose increased from 27.48 U (0.35 U/kg) at baseline to 39.01 U (0.50 U/kg) at week 26. Hypoglycaemia events occurred in 20.4% of the participants; 1 (0.3%) participant had a severe hypoglycaemia event.

CONCLUSION

In people with T2DM uncontrolled on previous BI, switching to Gla-300 with optimal titration guided by an algorithm was associated with improved glycaemic control and low incidence of hypoglycaemia across multiple geographic regions.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03760991.

Using 2nd generation basal insulins in type 2 diabetes: Costs and savings in a comparative economic analysis in Italy, based on the BRIGHT study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To evaluate the economic impact of using 2nd generation basal insulin analogs, Glargine 300 Units/ml (Gla-300) vs Degludec 100 Units/ml (IDeg-100), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS AND RESULTS

An economic analysis was conducted using findings from the BRIGHT study (the first controlled, head-to-head study comparing Gla-300 vs IDeg-100), and costs for the Italian National Healthcare Service (NHS). A cost-minimization analysis (CMA) and a budget impact analysis (BIA) were conducted. Only pharmacological costs were included in the analysis. The CMA estimated patient treatment costs at 24 weeks and 1 year; the BIA assessed the economic impact of treating the overall Italian population of T2D insulin-naïve patients, who initiated insulin treatment during the period September 2017-August 2018 (N = 55 318). In the BIA, four different scenarios were compared: i) all patients receive IDeg-100 (Scenario A); ii) 61% of patients receive Gla-300, 39% IDeg-100 (Scenario B); iii) 80% of patients receive Gla-300, 20% IDeg-100 (Scenario C); iv) all patients treated with Gla-300 (Scenario D). The average treatment costs per patient were lower with Gla-300 vs IDeg-100 (at 24 weeks: €129 vs €161; at 1 year: €324 vs €409, respectively). Results of the BIA showed that comparing Scenario D vs Scenario A, total savings would amount to €1.76 million at 24 weeks, €4.73 million at 1 year, €5.53 million at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

A larger use of Gla-300 vs IDeg-100 for the treatment of T2D patients would lead to a relevant reduction of therapy costs in Italy.

Hypoglycaemia risk with insulin glargine 300 U/mL compared with glargine 100 U/mL across different baseline fasting C-peptide levels in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of the EDITION 3 trial

The relationship between baseline fasting C-peptide (FCP) and glucose control was examined in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycaemic drugs commencing basal insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) or 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in the absence of sulfonylurea/glinides. Participants with FCP measurement from the EDITION 3 trial (n = 867) were stratified according to baseline FCP (≤0.40, >0.40-1.20, >1.20 nmol/L); 11.0%, 70.9% and 18.1% contributed to each group. Glycaemic control, body weight, insulin dose and hypoglycaemia were determined at 26 weeks. Glycaemic control (HbA1c, FPG) at 26 weeks was similar in each FCP group between insulins. However, end-of-study insulin dose was greater with higher FCP for both insulins. More people with lower baseline FCP experienced hypoglycaemia with both insulins, but with numerically lower incidence for Gla-300 versus Gla-100 across all FCP groups for all definitions (time periods and levels) of hypoglycaemia. This suggests that Gla-300 might be particularly advantageous for people who are at higher risk of hypoglycaemia.

Current status of insulin degludec in type 1 and type 2 diabetes based on randomized and observational trials

Insulin degludec is a new ultra-long-action basal insulin. Using treat-to-target protocols, controlled trials have shown comparable HbA_1c reductions with insulin degludec and comparators in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Most studies identify, however, better control of fasting plasma glucose with insulin degludec vs. either insulin glargine U100 or detemir, and all have consistently demonstrated clinically relevant decreases in (nocturnal) hypoglycaemic episodes. These characteristics have provided added therapeutic value for insulin degludec in clinical practice. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss, within the context of randomized and observational studies, the clinical effects of insulin degludec use in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Challenges of Diabetes Care in Older People With Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of Basal Insulin

IN BRIEF The use of long-acting basal insulin analogs is a recommended strategy in older people with diabetes because of their lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to intermediate-acting insulins. In this article, we review the results from recent clinical trials of second-generation basal insulin preparations. We conclude that, although these preparations have improved the management of insulin-requiring older people with type 2 diabetes, there is a need for additional and more specific studies to address the complexities of hyperglycemia management in this population.

Efficacy and safety of the second generation basal insulin analogs in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A critical appraisal

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease, which requires insulin treatment when other management is no longer effective. Although, insulin plays a vital role in the treatment of diabetes, conventional basal insulins have certain limitations, which have led to the development of more stable and peak less analogues.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the efficacy and safety of second generation vs. first generation basal insulins, and the efficacy and safety of second generation vs. second generation basal insulins, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, from the evidence provided by head-to-head randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed and MEDLINE, Scopus, BIOSIS, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Springer Online Archives Collection, from January 1966 to October 2018. Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in those articles were examined.

RESULTS

The efficacy among insulins evaluated was similar, however, second generation insulins cause a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to first generation insulins. A single study showed similar metabolic control with subtle differences in the risk of hypoglycemia among second generation insulins.

CONCLUSIONS

The second-generation basal insulins result in metabolic control similar to first generation insulins, with lower risk of hypoglycemia. Second-generation insulins have comparable efficacy, with some differences in the risk of hypoglycemia.

Basal insulin therapy: Unmet medical needs in Asia and the new insulin glargine in diabetes treatment

Diabetes remains a global epidemic and a tremendous health challenge, especially in the Asian population. Dramatic increases in the prevalence of diabetes across different countries or areas in Asia have been reported in recent epidemiological studies. Although clinical guidelines have strengthened appropriate antihyperglycemic medications and lifestyle modifications for optimal diabetes management, inadequate glycemic control still occurs in many patients with an increased risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications. Insulin administration is the main therapy for diabetes in response to the inability to secrete insulin, and is recommended in current guidelines to treat patients with type 2 diabetes after failure of oral antidiabetic drugs. Clinical studies have shown that long-acting insulin analogs improve basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. In the present review, we discuss previous challenges with basal insulin therapy in Asia, the pharmacological development of insulin analogs to overcome the unmet medical needs and recent clinical studies of the new ultra-long-acting insulin analog, insulin glargine U300. Furthermore, relevant findings of current real-world evidence are also included for the comparison of the efficacy and safety of different insulin formulations. Based on the accumulating evidence showing a low incidence of hypoglycemia and technical benefits of dose titration, treatment with glargine U300 can be a promising strategy for Asian diabetes patients to achieve glycemic targets with favorable safety.

Effectiveness of insulin glargine U-300 versus insulin glargine U-100 on nocturnal hypoglycemia and glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To assess the effectiveness of insulin glargine 300 ui/ml (Gla-300) compared with insulin glargine 100 ui/ml (Gla-100) on reducing nocturnal hypoglycemia and improving glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until July 4th, 2018. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017080134). We included randomized clinical trials comparing Gla-300 versus Gla-100 reporting the rate ratio or number of events of nocturnal hypoglycemia and HbA_1c levels percentage or mmol/mol^-1. The main outcome was the incidence rate ratio (RR) of nocturnal hypoglycemia events. The heterogeneity of results across studies was assessed using the I² statistic. Fixed- and random-effect models were used to estimate pooled RRs.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 3977 adult patients. Compared with Gla-100, the use of Gla-300 reduced confirmed nocturnal hypoglycemia [RR = 0.81 (0.69, 0.95)] and clinically significant nocturnal hypoglycemia [RR = 0.75 (0.63, 0.91)]. Reductions in clinically significant nocturnal hypoglycemia events [RR = 0.64 (0.42, 0.97)] in type 1 diabetes patients were found. A small decrease in HbA_1c levels in favor of Gla-300 in the pooled sample was identified [ES = - 0.08 (95% CI - 0.14, - 0.01)].

CONCLUSIONS

The best current evidence indicates that Gla-300 reduces the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia with slight improvements in glycemic control compared with Gla-100 in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes adult patients.

Experience after switching from insulin glargine U100 to glargine U300 in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. A study after one year of treatment in real life

INTRODUCTION

Current treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) does not always achieve metabolic control because, among other things, the ocurrence of hypoglycemic events associated to insulin use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive real life study of 247 T1DM patients, 55.5% male, aged 46.53 ± 16.23 years, and with a mean diabetes duration of 21.89 ± 11.99 years, who were switched from basal insulin glargine U100 to glargine U300. The primary endpoints were changes in Hba1c and number of hypoglycemic events, while secondary endpoints included changes in weight and insulin dose after 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

After one year, no changes were seen in HbA1c, but the proportion of patients with HbA1c values <7.5% increased at 6 months (33.5 vs. 40.5%; P<0.05) and remained stable during one year of follow-up. Hypoglycemic events significantly decreased after one year of treatment in patients with previous hypoglycemic events. No changes were seen in body weight. Total insulin dose (U/kg) increased 7.24% at 6 months of treatment and by 8.69% at one year, mainly due to basal insulin. No changes were seen between the doses given at 6 and 12 months. These changes were similar in the different metabolic control groups and in patients with or without hypoglycemia. This increase was not related with prior basal insulin dose, baseline HbA1c level, number of hypoglycemic events or baseline weight.

DISCUSSION

Glargine U300 is a good basal insulin alternative to treat T1DM, improving metabolic control in patients with HbA1c levels >7,5 and decreasing hypoglycemic events in patients with history of hypoglycemia without increasing body weight.