Efficacy and safety of the once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist albiglutide versus sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment: a randomized phase III study

Efficacy and safety of albiglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

No meta-analysis has holistically analyzed and summarized the therapeutic efficacy and safety of albiglutide in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This meta-analysis addresses this knowledge gap.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials involving patients with T2D receiving albiglutide in the intervention arm and either a placebo or an active comparator in the control arm were searched through electronic databases. The primary outcome was the change from baseline (CFB) in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); secondary outcomes included CFB in fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and adverse events (AE).

RESULTS

From 443 initially screened articles, data from 12 randomized controlled trials involving 6423 subjects were analyzed. Albiglutide, at both doses, outperformed placebo in terms of HbA1c reductions (for albiglutide 30 mg: mean differences -1.04%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.37--0.72], P < .00001, I2 = 89%; and for albiglutide 50 mg: mean differences -1.10%, 95% CI [-1.45--0.75], P < .00001, I2 = 90%). Higher proportions of subjects achieved HbA1c < 7% in the albiglutide arm than in placebo (for albiglutide 30 mg: odds ratio 6.26, 95% CI [2.50-15.70], P < .0001, I2 = 82%; and for albiglutide 50 mg: odds ratio 5.57, 95% CI [2.25-13.80], P = .0002, I2 = 84%). Albiglutide had glycemic efficacy comparable to other glucose-lowering drugs. CFB in body weight was similar with albiglutide and placebo. AE profile, including gastrointestinal AE, was identical with albiglutide and placebo, except for higher drug-related AE and injection-site reaction with albiglutide.

CONCLUSION

Albiglutide provides reassuring data on good glycemic efficacy, tolerability, and safety over an extended period of clinical use in patients with T2D. Albiglutide 30 mg has comparable efficacy and safety profiles to albiglutide 50 mg.

Renal effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and tirzepatide in individuals with type 2 diabetes: seeds of a promising future

PURPOSE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and CKD-related disability and mortality are increasing despite the recent advances in diabetes management. The dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide is among the furthest developed multi-agonists for diabetes care and has so far displayed promising nephroprotective effects. This review aims to summarize the evidence regarding the nephroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and tirzepatide and the putative mechanisms underlying the favorable renal profile of tirzepatide.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed from inception to July 31st 2023 to select research papers addressing the renal effects of GLP-1RA and tirzepatide.

RESULTS

The pathogenesis of CKD in patients with T2D likely involves many contributors besides hyperglycemia, such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance and glomerular atherosclerosis, exerting kidney damage through metabolic, fibrotic, inflammatory, and hemodynamic mechanisms. Tirzepatide displayed an unprecedented glucose and body weight lowering potential, presenting also with the ability to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce systolic blood pressure and inflammation and ameliorate dyslipidemia, particularly by reducing triglycerides levels.

CONCLUSION

Tirzepatide is likely to counteract most of the pathogenetic factors contributing to CKD in T2D, potentially representing a step forward in incretin-based therapy towards nephroprotection. Further evidence is needed to understand its role in renal hemodynamics, fibrosis, cell damage and atherosclerosis, as well as to conclusively show reduction of hard renal outcomes.

Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on mortality and arrhythmias in patients with Type II diabetes

Background

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA) are frequently used for the management of diabetes. The impact of GLP-1 RA on cardiovascular outcomes is unclear. We aim to assess the effect of GLP-1 RA on mortality, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death in patients with type II diabetes.

Methods

We searched databases including Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and CINAHL, from inception to May 2022, for randomized controlled trials reporting the relationship between GLP-1 RA (including albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide) and mortality, atrial arrhythmias, and the combined incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The search was not restricted to time or publication status.

Results

A total of 464 studies resulted from literature search, of which 44 studies, including 78,702 patients (41,800 GLP-1 agonists vs 36,902 control), were included. Follow up ranged from 52 to 208 weeks. GLP-1 RA were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (odds ratio 0.891, 95% confidence interval 0.837-0.949; P < 0.01) and reduced cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.881-0.954; P < 0.01). GLP-1 RA were not associated with increased risk of atrial (odds ratio 0.963, 95% confidence interval 0.869-1.066; P 0.46) or ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (odds ratio 0.895, 95% confidence interval 0.706-1.135; P 0.36).

Conclusion

GLP-1 RA are associated with decreased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and no increased risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Adverse Cerebrovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To pool effects of GLP-1RAs on adverse cerebrovascular outcomes and investigate impact of baseline variables on these effects.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registry websites were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ≥24 weeks duration in adults with T2DM (PROSPERO: CRD42022331547). Adjudicated cerebrovascular events in GLP-1RA treatment vs control arms were pooled together to calculate risk ratios (RR) using fixed-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed based on individual drugs, treatment duration, and baseline patient characteristics. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE framework.

RESULTS

We identified 28 RCTs involving 74 148 patients (57% male; median [range], age 58 [52-67] years, BMI 32 [25.4-37.2] kg/m2, T2DM duration 9 [3.5-15.4] years, treatment duration 52 [24-259] weeks). GLP-1RA use in T2DM was associated with significantly decreased risk of adverse cerebrovascular outcomes vs placebo/active comparator (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91; I2 = 0%). Pooling data from cardiovascular outcome trials (n = 8), GLP-1RA treatment vs placebo was associated with reduced risk of nonfatal stroke (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.94; I2 = 0%) but not fatal stroke (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.61-1.05; I2 = 0%). GLP-1RA use was associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke (RCTs = 12; RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89; I2 = 0%), composite of ischemic stroke/TIA (RCTs = 16; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65-0.90; I2 = 0%), but not hemorrhagic stroke (RCTs = 3; RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.51-1.64; I2 = 0%). Treatment benefits differed according to baseline eGFR and diabetes duration (P interaction < .1). Benefits were statistically significant for dulaglutide, subcutaneous/oral semaglutide (P < .05). Sensitivity analysis, excluding shorter-acting lixisenatide, eliminated the heterogeneity between individual GLP-1RA effects.

CONCLUSION

GLP-1RAs, particularly longer-acting formulations, reduced ischemic cerebrovascular events in T2DM. Observed benefits were significantly higher in patients with shorter T2DM duration and higher eGFR.

Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

An association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer has been suggested. Since its first description, several new trials (including three cardiovascular outcome trials) have been published, substantially increasing the available data set. This suggests the need for an update of the previous meta-analysis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A Medline search for GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide) was performed, collecting all randomized clinical trials, with duration ≥52 weeks, enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes, and comparing a GLP-1 receptor agonist with placebo or any other non-GLP-1 receptor agonist drug. The endpoints were pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer reported as serious adverse events. Mantel-Haenszel Odds Ratio (MH-OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for all outcomes defined above, on an intention-to-treat basis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 43 trials fulfilling inclusion criteria (all reporting data on pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer) was identified. GLP-1 RA showed no association with pancreatitis (MH-OR 1.24 [0.94, 1.64]; P=0.13) and pancreatic cancer (MH-OR 1.28 [0.87, 1.89]; P=0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

No clear evidence of risk for pancreatitis was observed, whereas data on pancreatic cancer are too scarce to draw any conclusion.

Comparative efficacy and safety profile of once-weekly Semaglutide versus once-daily Sitagliptin as an add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The emergence of genetically-modified human proteins and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have presented a promising strategy for effectively managing diabetes. Due to the scarcity of clinical trials focusing on the safety and efficacy of semaglutide as an adjunctive treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control with metformin, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This was necessary to fill the gap and provide a comprehensive assessment of semaglutide compared to sitagliptin, a commonly prescribed DPP-4 inhibitor, in this patient population.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic search was carried out on reputable databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Elsevier's ScienceDirect to identify relevant studies that compared the efficacy of once-weekly Semaglutide with once-daily Sitagliptin in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The analysis of the gathered data was performed utilizing the random-effects model, which considers both within-study and between-study variations.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis incorporated three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), encompassing 2401 participants, with a balanced distribution across the treatment groups. The primary focus of the study revolved around evaluating changes in HbA1C, blood pressure, pulse rate, body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. The findings revealed that once-weekly Semaglutide showed substantially improved HbA1C (WMD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.69, p-value: < 0.0001; I2: 100%), systolic (WMD: -3.73; 95% CI: -5.42, -2.04, p-value: <0.0001; I2: 100%) and diastolic blood pressures (WMD: -0.66; 95% CI: -1.02, -0.29, p-value: 0.0005; I2: 100%), and body weight (WMD: -3.17; 95% CI: -3.84, -2.49, p-value: <0.00001; I2: 100%) compared to once-daily Sitagliptin. However, there was an observed increase in pulse rate (WMD: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.61, 5.06, p-value: <0.00001; I2: 100%) associated with Semaglutide treatment. Regarding secondary outcomes, there was an elevated risk of total adverse events and premature treatment discontinuation with Semaglutide. The risk of serious, severe, moderate, and mild adverse events did not significantly differ between the two treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the administration of once-weekly Semaglutide exhibited a substantial reduction in HbA1c, average systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and a rise in pulse rate, as opposed to the once-daily administration of Sitagliptin.

Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist vs Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Use With Mortality Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

IMPORTANCE

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use is associated with reduced mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes in the general population with diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are commonly used antidiabetic agents for patients with advanced-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association of these 2 drug classes with outcomes among patients with diabetes and advanced-stage CKD or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in a population with diabetes and advanced-stage CKD or ESKD is associated with better outcomes compared with use of DPP-4 inhibitors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study used data on patients with type 2 diabetes and stage 5 CKD or ESKD obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The study was conducted between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from June 2020 to July 2021.

EXPOSURES

Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

All-cause mortality, sepsis- and infection-related mortality, and mortality related to major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were compared between patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists and patients treated with DPP-4 inhibitors. Propensity score weighting was used to mitigate the imbalance among covariates between the groups.

RESULTS

Of 27 279 patients included in the study, 26 578 were in the DPP-4 inhibitor group (14 443 [54.34%] male; mean [SD] age, 65 [13] years) and 701 in the GLP-1 receptor agonist group (346 [49.36%] male; mean [SD] age, 59 [13] years). After weighting, the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.98) and lower sepsis- and infection-related mortality (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40-0.91). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a lower risk of mortality associated with use of GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with DDP-4 inhibitors among patients with cerebrovascular disease (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.86) than among those without cerebrovascular disease (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.12) (P = .04 for interaction).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with lower all-cause mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes, advanced-stage CKD, and ESKD than was treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors. Additional well-designed, prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for patients with advanced CKD or ESKD.

Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Occurrence of Thyroid Disorders: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and the risk of various kinds of thyroid disorders remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the occurrence of 6 kinds of thyroid disorders. We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Web of Science from database inception to 31 October 2021 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 45 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo or other interventions, GLP-1 receptor agonists' use showed an association with an increased risk of overall thyroid disorders (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.60). However, GLP-1 receptor agonists had no significant effects on the occurrence of thyroid cancer (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.86-1.97), hyperthyroidism (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.61-2.35), hypothyroidism (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.80-1.87), thyroiditis (RR 1.83, 95% CI 0.51-6.57), thyroid mass (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.43-3.20), and goiter (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.74-1.86). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses showed that underlying diseases, type of control, and trial durations were not related to the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on overall thyroid disorders (all P _subgroup > 0.05). In conclusion, GLP-1 receptor agonists did not increase or decrease the risk of thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid mass and goiter. However, due to the low incidence of these diseases, these findings need to be examined further.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021289121.

Sodium Glucose Transporter, Type 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1-Receptor Agonists: Newer Therapies in Whole-Body Glucose Stabilization

Diabetes is a worldwide epidemic that is increasing rapidly to become the seventh leading cause of death in the world. The increased incidence of this disease mirrors a similar uptick in obesity and metabolic syndrome, and, collectively, these conditions can cause deleterious effects on a number of organ systems including the renal and cardiovascular systems. Historically, treatment of type 2 diabetes has focused on decreasing hyperglycemia and glycated hemoglobin levels. However, it now is appreciated that there is more to the puzzle. Emerging evidence has indicated that newer classes of diabetes drugs, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists, improve cardiovascular and renal function, while appropriately managing hyperglycemia. In this review, we highlight the recent clinical and preclinical studies that have shed light on sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists and their ability to stabilize blood glucose levels while offering whole-body protection in diabetic and nondiabetic patient populations.

Kidney Outcomes With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are highly effective in reducing glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). These medications effectively reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with T2D and established CV disease or with multiple risk factors. In addition, treatment with GLP-1 RA may exert protective effects on the diabetic kidney. Herein, we summarize the findings regarding the kidney safety and efficacy of GLP-1 RAs in patients with T2D. We review data from GLP-1 RAs phase 3 kidney studies, CV outcome trials, as well as real-world evidence. The accumulating data show that treatment with GLP-1 RAs is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in patients with different levels of kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, CV outcome trials suggest that GLP-1 RAs reduce albuminuria and may attenuate the decline in kidney function over time. The ongoing FLOW trial studying the effects of semaglutide in patients with diabetic kidney disease is expected to shed light on the effects of GLP-1 RAs on kidney outcomes and clarify their role in the management of patients with T2D and kidney disease.

From glucose lowering agents to disease/diabetes modifying drugs: a "SIMPLE" approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

During the last decade we experienced a surge in the number of glucose lowering agents that can be used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Especially important are the discoveries that sodium glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) improve patients’ cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Accordingly, various medical associations have updated their guidelines for the treatment of diabetes in this new era. Though not agreeing on every issue, these position-statements generally share a detailed and often complex workflow that may be too complicated for the busy and overworked primary care setting, where the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes are managed in many countries. Other guidelines, generally those from the cardiology associations focus primarily on the population of patients with high risk for or pre-existing cardiovascular disease, which represent only the minority of patients with type 2 diabetes. We believe that we should re-define SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA as diabetes/disease modifying drugs (DMDs) given the recent evidence of their cardiovascular and renal benefits. Based on this definition we have designed a SIMPLE approach in order to assist primary care teams in selecting the most appropriate therapy for their patients. We believe that most subjects newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should initiate early combination therapy with metformin and a prognosis changing DMD. The decision whether to use GLP-1 RA or SGLT2i should be made based on specific patient’s risk factors and preferences. Importantly, DMDs are known to have a generally safe side-effect profile, with lower risk for hypoglycemia and weight gain, further promoting their wider usage. Early combination therapy with DMDs may improve the multiple pathophysiological abnormalities responsible for type 2 diabetes and its complications, thus resulting in the greatest long term benefits.

Do GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Risk of cancer is a major concern in the development of drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the Liraglutide Clinical Development Program, subjects treated with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) had a higher absolute number of breast cancer events.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether patients treated with GLP-1RAs had a higher risk of breast neoplasms.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL from July 31, 2019 to February 8, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Reviewers assessed abstracts and full-text articles for RCTs of GLP-1RAs in adults with excessive weight and/or diabetes and a minimum follow-up of 24 weeks.

DATA EXTRACTION

Researchers extracted study-level data and assessed within-study risk of bias with the RoB 2.0 tool and quality of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

DATA SYNTHESIS

We included 52 trials, of which 50 reported breast cancer events and 11 reported benign breast neoplasms. Overall methodological quality was high. Among 48 267 subjects treated with GLP-1RAs, 130 developed breast cancer compared with 107 of 40 755 controls (relative risk [RR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.26). Subset analyses according to follow-up, participant/investigator blinding, and type of GLP-1RA did not reveal any differences. The risk of benign breast neoplasms also did not differ between groups (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.48-2.01). Trial sequential analysis provided evidence that the sample size was sufficient to avoid missing alternative results.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with GLP-1RAs for obesity and diabetes does not increase the risk of breast neoplasms.

Evidence-based treatment of hyperglycaemia with incretin therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease

Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of CKD is growing in parallel with the rising number of patients with type 2 diabetes globally. At present, the optimal approach to glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD (categories 4 and 5) remains uncertain, as these patients were largely excluded from clinical trials of glucose-lowering therapies. Nonetheless, clinical trial data are available for the use of incretin therapies, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, for patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD. This review discusses the role of incretin therapies in the management of these patients. Because the presence of advanced CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with a markedly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), treatment strategies must include the reduction of both CKD and CVD risks because death, particularly from cardiovascular causes, is more probable than progression to end-stage kidney disease. The management of hyperglycaemia is essential for good diabetes care even in advanced CKD. Current evidence supports an individualized approach to glycaemic management in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD, taking account of the needs of each patient, including the presence of co-morbidities and concomitant therapies. Although additional studies are needed to establish optimal strategies for glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced CKD, treatment regimens with currently available pharmacotherapy can be individually tailored to meet the needs of this growing patient population.

Major cardiovascular events, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation in patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1-RA) has been associated with a reduction of major cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality on the basis of the results of cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT). Several meta-analyses on this issue have been recently published; however, they were all restricted to CVOT, with the exclusion of all studies designed for other endpoints; moreover, other cardiovascular endpoints, such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure have not been fully explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A Medline search for GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide) was performed, collecting all randomized clinical trials with a duration ≥52 weeks, enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes, and comparing a GLP-1 receptor agonist with placebo or any other non-GLP-1 receptor agonist drug. We included 43 trials, enrolling 63,134 patients. A significant reduction of MACE (MH-OR 0.87 [0.83, 0.92]), all-cause mortality (MH-OR 0.89 [0.83, 0.96]), and a nonstatistical trend toward reduction of heart failure (MH-OR 0.93 [0.85, 1.01]) was observed - GLP1-RA did not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (MH-OR 0.94 [0.84, 1.04]).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis confirms the favorable effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on major cardiovascular events, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, stroke, and possibly myocardial infarction. Conversely, the effects on heart failure remain uncertain. Available data on atrial fibrillation seems to exclude any major safety issues in this respect.

REGISTRATION NUMBER (PROSPERO)

CRD42018115577.

GLP-1 Analogs and DPP-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Therapy: Review of Head-to-Head Clinical Trials

The incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released from enteroendocrine cells in response to the presence of nutrients in the small intestines. These homones facilitate glucose regulation by stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose dependent manner while suppressing glucagon secretion. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), an impaired insulin response to GLP-1 and GIP contributes to hyperglycemia. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors block the breakdown of GLP-1 and GIP to increase levels of the active hormones. In clinical trials, DPP-4 inhibitors have a modest impact on glycemic control. They are generally well-tolerated, weight neutral and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are peptide derivatives of either exendin-4 or human GLP-1 designed to resist the activity of DPP-4 and therefore, have a prolonged half-life. In clinical trials, they have demonstrated superior efficacy to many oral antihyperglycemic drugs, improved weight loss and a low risk of hypoglycemia. However, GI adverse events, particularly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are seen. Both DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs have demonstrated safety in robust cardiovascular outcome trials, while several GLP-1 RAs have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in persons with T2DM with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several clinical trials have directly compared the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs. These studies have generally demonstrated that the GLP-1 RA provided superior glycemic control and weight loss relative to the DPP-4 inhibitor. Both treatments were associated with a low and comparable incidence of hypoglycemia, but treatment with GLP-1 RAs were invariably associated with a higher incidence of GI adverse events. A few studies have evaluated switching patients from DPP-4 inhibitors to a GLP-1RA and, as expected, improved glycemic control and weight loss are seen following the switch. According to current clinical guidelines, GLP-1RA and DPP-4 inhibitors are both indicated for the glycemic management of patients with T2DM across the spectrum of disease. GLP-1RA may be preferred over DPP- 4 inhibitors for many patients because of the greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c and weight loss observed in the clinical trials. Among patients with preexisting CVD, GLP-1 receptor agonists with a proven cardiovascular benefit are indicated as add-on to metformin therapy.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and risk of cancer in type 2 diabetes: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Some preliminary studies reported a link between GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and thyroid/pancreatic neoplasms, while its human relevance remained undetermined. The present meta-analysis was performed to collect information on cancers associated with GLP-1RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov were extensively searched to identify randomized controlled trials that reported cancer events in T2DM patients treated with GLP-1RAs for at least 52 weeks, up to March 18, 2019. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated for overall cancer (primary outcome), thyroid and pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 37 eligible trials were identified. The OR for overall cancer associated with GLP-1RAs was 1.03 (95% CI 0.95-1.12; p = 0.41) compared with comparators. Subgroup analyses showed that treatment with albiglutide was associated with a lower risk of overall cancer (OR 0.76 [95% CI 0.60-0.97]; p = 0.03), and no elevated risk of overall cancer was identified for other GLP-1RAs. No significant differences in the risks of thyroid nor pancreatic cancer were disclosed between GLP-1RAs and comparators.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis did not suggest any increased risk of cancers associated with GLP-1RAs use in T2DM. The reduction in the risk of overall cancer associated with albiglutide needs to be examined further.

Disturbances in Insulin-Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Advanced Renal Disease With and Without Diabetes

CONTEXT

Use of insulin in patients with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD; stages 4 to 5) is challenging and shows great variability among individuals. We explored the mechanisms underlying this variability.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed was searched for articles in English from 1960 to 2018 for advanced CKD and diabetes, glucose and insulin metabolism, insulin clearance, secretion and resistance, plasma insulin concentration, glycemic control, hypoglycemia, insulin dosage, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in CKD.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The evidence shows that in most patients the daily dose of insulin needs to be significantly reduced with a high degree of variability; in some the dose remains unchanged, and rarely it is increased. The premise that the marked reduction in insulin requirement is essentially attributable to decreased insulin clearance by kidneys leading to prolongation of its plasma half-life, elevated blood insulin concentration, and hypoglycemia is not entirely correct. Other factors including decreases in food intake, insulin secretion, insulin clearance by peripheral tissues, and renal gluconeogenesis play important roles. There is also heightened resistance to insulin due to metabolic acidosis, uremic toxins, inflammatory state, and vitamin D deficiency. Importantly, the magnitude of changes in each of these factors varies between individuals with the same degree of CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of diabetes with advanced CKD, the insulin regimen should be individualized based on knowledge of the daily glucose patterns. The use of CGM is promising for safer glycemic control in patients with advanced CKD and diabetes and helps prevent extremes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment (PIONEER 5): a placebo-controlled, randomised, phase 3a trial

BACKGROUND

Oral semaglutide is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with renal impairment, restricting treatment options. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, phase 3a trial was undertaken at 88 sites in eight countries. Patients aged 18 years and older, with type 2 diabetes, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30-59 mL/min per 1·73 m², and who had been receiving a stable dose of metformin or sulfonylurea, or both, or basal insulin with or without metformin for the past 90 days were eligible. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by use of an interactive web-response system, with stratification by glucose-lowering medication and renal function, to receive oral semaglutide (dose escalated to 14 mg once daily) or matching placebo for 26 weeks, in addition to background medication. Participants and site staff were masked to assignment. Two efficacy-related estimands were defined: treatment policy (regardless of treatment discontinuation or rescue medication) and trial product (on treatment without rescue medication) in all participants randomly assigned. Endpoints were change from baseline to week 26 in HbA_1c (primary endpoint) and bodyweight (confirmatory secondary endpoint), assessed in all participants with sufficient data. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02827708, and the European Clinical Trials Registry, number EudraCT 2015-005326-19, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 20, 2016, and Sept 29, 2017, of 721 patients screened, 324 were eligible and randomly assigned to oral semaglutide (n=163) or placebo (n=161). Mean age at baseline was 70 years (SD 8), and 168 (52%) of participants were female. 133 (82%) participants in the oral semaglutide group and 141 (88%) in the placebo group completed 26 weeks on treatment. At 26 weeks, oral semaglutide was superior to placebo in decreasing HbA_1c (estimated mean change of -1·0 percentage point (SE 0·1; -11 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]) vs -0·2 percentage points (SE 0·1; -2 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]); estimated treatment difference [ETD]: -0·8 percentage points, 95% CI -1·0 to -0·6; p<0·0001) and bodyweight (estimated mean change of -3·4 kg [SE 0·3] vs -0·9 kg [SE 0·3]; ETD, -2·5, 95% CI -3·2 to -1·8; p<0·0001) by the treatment policy estimand. Significant differences were seen for the trial product estimand: mean change in HbA_1c -1·1 percentage points (SE 0·1; -12 mmol/mol [SE 0·8] versus -0·1 percentage points (SE 0·1; -1 mmol/mol [SE 0·8]; ETD -1·0 percentage points, 95% CI -1·2 to -0·8; p<0·0001); mean change in bodyweight -3·7 kg (SE 0·3) versus -1·1 kg (SE 0·3; ETD -2·7 kg, 95% CI -3·5 to -1·9; p<0·0001). More patients taking oral semaglutide than placebo had adverse events (120 [74%] of 163 vs 105 [65%] of 161), and discontinued treatment as a result (24 [15%] vs eight [5%]). Gastrointestinal events, mainly mild-to-moderate nausea, were more common with oral semaglutide than with placebo. Three deaths occurred during the treatment period that were not condsidered to be treatment related, one in the semaglutide group and two in the placebo group.

INTERPRETATION

Oral semaglutide was effective in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment, potentially providing a new treatment option for this population. Safety, including renal safety, was consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk A/S.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes treatment: are they all the same?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are an important class of drugs with a well-established efficacy and safety profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Agents in this class are derived from either exendin-4 (a compound present in Gila monster venom) or modifications of human GLP-1 active fragment. Differences among these drugs in duration of action (ie, short-acting vs long-acting), effects on glycaemic control and weight loss, immunogenicity, tolerability profiles, and administration routes offer physicians several options when selecting the most appropriate agent for individual patients. Patient preference is also an important consideration. The aim of this review is to discuss the differences between and similarities of GLP-1 RAs currently approved for clinical use, focusing particularly on the properties characterising the single short-acting and long-acting GLP-1 RAs rather than on their individual efficacy and safety profiles. The primary pharmacodynamic difference between short-acting (ie, exenatide twice daily and lixisenatide) and long-acting (ie, albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide once weekly, liraglutide, and semaglutide) GLP-1 RAs is that short-acting agents primarily delay gastric emptying (lowering postprandial glucose) and long-acting agents affect both fasting glucose (via enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduced glucagon secretion in the fasting state) and postprandial glucose (via enhanced postprandial insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion). Other advantages of long-acting GLP-1 RAs include smaller fluctuations in plasma drug concentrations, improved gastrointestinal tolerability profiles, and simpler, more convenient administration schedules (once daily for liraglutide and once weekly for albiglutide, dulaglutide, the long-acting exenatide formulation, and semaglutide), which might improve treatment adherence and persistence.

Risk of Malignant Neoplasia with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are effective glucose-lowering drugs, but there is concern that they may increase the risk of malignant neoplasia. The present meta-analysis examined the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists with regard to malignant neoplasia.

METHODS

We analyzed data from randomized controlled trials with a minimum duration of 24 weeks that assessed the incidence of neoplasms in type 2 diabetes patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with placebo or other hypoglycemic drugs. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases with a language restriction of English through October 1, 2018, and carried out a meta-analysis of the available trial data using a fixed effects model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for neoplasia.

RESULTS

Thirty-four relevant articles, providing data for 50452 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the incidence of malignant neoplasia with placebo or other interventions, no increase in malignant neoplasm formation was observed with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (OR 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.15; p = 0.46), liraglutide (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91-1.27; p = 0.38), exenatide (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.86-1.16; p = 1.00), semaglutide (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.35-2.22; p = 0.80), or albiglutide (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.23-4.88; p = 0.93). A subanalysis of trials lasting longer than 3 years also showed no increase in the neoplasia risk with GLP-1 receptor agonist use (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92-1.15; p = 0.60). Between-trial statistical heterogeneity was low for all comparisons.

CONCLUSION

GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used without safety concerns related to malignant neoplasia in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Oral Semaglutide in Subjects with Renal Impairment

BACKGROUND

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, has been co-formulated with the absorption enhancer sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate (SNAC) as a tablet for oral administration. This trial (NCT02014259) investigated the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide in subjects with and without renal impairment.

METHODS

Subjects were categorised as having normal renal function (n = 24), mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 12) or severe (n = 12) renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring haemodialysis (n = 11) and received once-daily oral semaglutide (5 mg for 5 days followed by 10 mg for 5 days) in the fasting state, followed by 30 min fasting after dosing. Semaglutide plasma concentrations were measured during dosing and for up to 21 days after the last dose.

RESULTS

Semaglutide exposure (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 h after the tenth dose and maximum concentration after the tenth dose) did not vary in a consistent pattern across the renal function groups. Similarly, there was no apparent effect of renal impairment on the semaglutide half-life (geometric mean range 152-165 h). Except for one subject in the ESRD group, semaglutide was not detected in urine. Haemodialysis did not affect the pharmacokinetics of semaglutide. Adverse events were in line with those observed for other GLP-1 receptor agonists and no safety concerns were identified.

CONCLUSION

There was no apparent effect of renal impairment or haemodialysis on the pharmacokinetics of oral semaglutide. Based on this trial, renal impairment should not affect dose recommendations for oral semaglutide.

Insulin and glucose-lowering agents for treating people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Both conditions commonly co-exist. Glucometabolic changes and concurrent dialysis in diabetes and CKD make glucose-lowering challenging, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Glucose-lowering agents have been mainly studied in people with near-normal kidney function. It is important to characterise existing knowledge of glucose-lowering agents in CKD to guide treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the efficacy and safety of insulin and other pharmacological interventions for lowering glucose levels in people with diabetes and CKD.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 12 February 2018 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs looking at head-to-head comparisons of active regimens of glucose-lowering therapy or active regimen compared with placebo/standard care in people with diabetes and CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Four authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias, and quality of data and performed data extraction. Continuous outcomes were expressed as post-treatment mean differences (MD). Adverse events were expressed as post-treatment absolute risk differences (RD). Dichotomous clinical outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-four studies (128 records, 13,036 participants) were included. Nine studies compared sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to placebo; 13 studies compared dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to placebo; 2 studies compared glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists to placebo; 8 studies compared glitazones to no glitazone treatment; 1 study compared glinide to no glinide treatment; and 4 studies compared different types, doses or modes of administration of insulin. In addition, 2 studies compared sitagliptin to glipizide; and 1 study compared each of sitagliptin to insulin, glitazars to pioglitazone, vildagliptin to sitagliptin, linagliptin to voglibose, and albiglutide to sitagliptin. Most studies had a high risk of bias due to funding and attrition bias, and an unclear risk of detection bias.Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitors probably reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 1092 participants: MD -0.29%, -0.38 to -0.19 (-3.2 mmol/mol, -4.2 to -2.2); I2 = 0%), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (5 studies, 855 participants: MD -0.48 mmol/L, -0.78 to -0.19; I2 = 0%), systolic blood pressure (BP) (7 studies, 1198 participants: MD -4.68 mmHg, -6.69 to -2.68; I2 = 40%), diastolic BP (6 studies, 1142 participants: MD -1.72 mmHg, -2.77 to -0.66; I2 = 0%), heart failure (3 studies, 2519 participants: RR 0.59, 0.41 to 0.87; I2 = 0%), and hyperkalaemia (4 studies, 2788 participants: RR 0.58, 0.42 to 0.81; I2 = 0%); but probably increase genital infections (7 studies, 3086 participants: RR 2.50, 1.52 to 4.11; I2 = 0%), and creatinine (4 studies, 848 participants: MD 3.82 μmol/L, 1.45 to 6.19; I2 = 16%) (all effects of moderate certainty evidence). SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce weight (5 studies, 1029 participants: MD -1.41 kg, -1.8 to -1.02; I2 = 28%) and albuminuria (MD -8.14 mg/mmol creatinine, -14.51 to -1.77; I2 = 11%; low certainty evidence). SGLT2 inhibitors may have little or no effect on the risk of cardiovascular death, hypoglycaemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), and urinary tract infection (low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether SGLT2 inhibitors have any effect on death, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), hypovolaemia, fractures, diabetic ketoacidosis, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, DPP-4 inhibitors may reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 867 participants: MD -0.62%, -0.85 to -0.39 (-6.8 mmol/mol, -9.3 to -4.3); I2 = 59%) but may have little or no effect on FBG (low certainty evidence). DPP-4 inhibitors probably have little or no effect on cardiovascular death (2 studies, 5897 participants: RR 0.93, 0.77 to 1.11; I2 = 0%) and weight (2 studies, 210 participants: MD 0.16 kg, -0.58 to 0.90; I2 = 29%; moderate certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, DPP-4 inhibitors may have little or no effect on heart failure, upper respiratory tract infections, and liver impairment (low certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, it is uncertain whether DPP-4 inhibitors have any effect on eGFR, hypoglycaemia, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, GLP-1 agonists probably reduce HbA1c (7 studies, 867 participants: MD -0.53%, -1.01 to -0.06 (-5.8 mmol/mol, -11.0 to -0.7); I2 = 41%; moderate certainty evidence) and may reduce weight (low certainty evidence). GLP-1 agonists may have little or no effect on eGFR, hypoglycaemia, or discontinuation due to adverse effects (low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether GLP-1 agonists reduce FBG, increase gastrointestinal symptoms, or affect the risk of pancreatitis (very low certainty evidence).Compared to placebo, it is uncertain whether glitazones have any effect on HbA1c, FBG, death, weight, and risk of hypoglycaemia (very low certainty evidence).Compared to glipizide, sitagliptin probably reduces hypoglycaemia (2 studies, 551 participants: RR 0.40, 0.23 to 0.69; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty evidence). Compared to glipizide, sitagliptin may have had little or no effect on HbA1c, FBG, weight, and eGFR (low certainty evidence). Compared to glipizide, it is uncertain if sitagliptin has any effect on death or discontinuation due to adverse effects (very low certainty).For types, dosages or modes of administration of insulin and other head-to-head comparisons only individual studies were available so no conclusions could be made.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of glucose-lowering agents in diabetes and CKD is limited. SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists are probably efficacious for glucose-lowering and DPP-4 inhibitors may be efficacious for glucose-lowering. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors probably reduce BP, heart failure, and hyperkalaemia but increase genital infections, and slightly increase creatinine. The safety profile for GLP-1 agonists is uncertain. No further conclusions could be made for the other classes of glucose-lowering agents including insulin. More high quality studies are required to help guide therapeutic choice for glucose-lowering in diabetes and CKD.

Risk of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on site-specific cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The long-term impact of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition is unknown, and there are concerns about the influence of DPP-4 inhibition on carcinogenesis of the pancreas and thyroid. As DPP-4 is a rather unselective enzyme present in many tissues, we focused on all specific cancer types. PubMed and EMBASE were searched between January 2005 and April 2017 to identify studies comparing DPP-4 inhibitors with either placebo or active drugs on cancer risk. Studies were included if they reported on at least one specific cancer outcome and had a follow-up of at least 1 year after start of drug use. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria (12 randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies). Sample sizes of the DPP-4 inhibitor groups ranged from 29 to 8212 patients for randomized controlled trials and from 2422 to 71 137 patients for observational studies. Mean age ranged from 51 to 76 years, and mean follow-up was 1.5 years. None of the pooled (sensitivity) analyses, except the observational studies studying breast cancer (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.76 [0.60-0.96]), showed evidence for an association between DPP-4 inhibitors and site-specific cancer. Also for pancreatic and thyroid cancer, no statistically significant risk was found. Based on the current literature, it is not possible to conclude whether DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of site-specific cancer. Future studies should address the methodological limitations and follow patients for a longer period to determine the long-term cancer risk of DPP-4 inhibitors.

Comparisons of diabetic retinopathy events associated with glucose-lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A network meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the comparative effects of glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) on the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We systematically searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PUBMED and EMBASE from inception to January 17, 2017 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported DR events among T2DM patients receiving any GLD. Random-effects pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 37 independent RCTs with 1806 DR events among 100 928 patients with T2DM were included. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.7 years and mean baseline HbA1c was 8.2% (SD, 0.5%). Our network meta-analysis found that DPP-4i (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.87-1.65), GLP-1RA (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.94-1.52) and SGLT2 inhibitors (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.49-1.28) were not associated with a higher risk of DR than placebo; however, a significantly increased risk of DR was associated with DPP-4i in the pairwise meta-analysis (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.53). Sulfonylureas, on the other hand, were associated with a significantly increased risk of DR compared to placebo (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.01-2.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence indicates that the association between DPP-4i, GLP-1RA or SGLT2 inhibitors and risk of DR remains uncertain in patients with T2DM. Some evidence suggests that sulfonylureas may be associated with increased risk of DR. However, given that DR events were not systematically assessed, these effects should be explored further in large-scale, well-designed studies.

Battle of GLP-1 delivery technologies

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) belong to an important therapeutic class for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Six GLP-1 RAs, each utilizing a unique drug delivery strategy, are now approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and additional, novel GLP-1 RAs are still under development, making for a crowded marketplace and fierce competition among the manufacturers of these products. As rapid elimination is a major challenge for clinical application of GLP-1 RAs, various half-life extension strategies have been successfully employed including sequential modification, attachment of fatty-acid to peptide, fusion with human serum albumin, fusion with the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of a monoclonal antibody, sustained drug delivery systems, and PEGylation. In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale of the various half-life extension strategies used for GLP-1 RA development. By analyzing and comparing different approved GLP-1 RAs and those in development, we focus on assessing how half-life extending strategies impact the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, patient usability and ultimately, the commercial success of GLP-1 RA products. We also anticipate future GLP-1 RA development trends. Since similar drug delivery strategies are also applied for developing other therapeutic peptides, we expect this case study of GLP-1 RAs will provide generalizable concepts for the rational design of therapeutic peptides products with extended duration of action.

[Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients]

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail.

Real-world comparison of treatment patterns and effectiveness of albiglutide and liraglutide

Aim: To compare medication adherence, discontinuation and glycemic control in patients receiving albiglutide versus liraglutide. Patients & methods: Administrative claims data and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results were analyzed from a sample of adult health plan members with Type 2 diabetes. Results: Patients were matched 1:1 in the albiglutide (n = 2213) and liraglutide (n = 2213) overall cohorts and in 244 patients with HbA1c results from each treatment group. Mean HbA1c change from baseline was −1.0% for both groups. At 6 months, mean ± standard deviation adherence was 0.69 ± 0.29 versus 0.64 ± 0.29 (p < 0.001), and discontinuation was 33.2 versus 37.8% (p = 0.002) with albiglutide versus liraglutide, but these were not statistically or clinically different at 12 months. Conclusion: Similar treatment patterns and clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c were observed for both treatments in this real-world comparison.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail.

Albiglutide for the management of type 2 diabetes

Albiglutide is a long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administered by weekly injection and approved for use in type 2 diabetes. It has less gastrointestinal side effects than other GLP-1 RAs in current use but does not improve HbA1c or promote weight loss to the same extent as some competitor agents. Area covered: The current use of albiglutide is discussed. The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert opinion: Unlike competitor agents, the gastrointestinal side effects of albiglutide are not much greater than placebo. It has been studied and appears safe at all stages of renal failure. There exists concern about an imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A large long-term study is now underway to determine if albiglutide, with its relatively favorable GI tolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased risk of cardiovascular events. At present, albiglutide is a safe agent to introduce GLP-1 RA treatment into the regimen for type 2 diabetes patients and may be the GLP-1 agent of choice in patients with renal insufficiency.

Intensifying Treatment Beyond Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Where Do Newer Therapies Fit?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Guidelines for a standard second diabetes medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have yet to be established. The rapid increase in the number of newer therapies available makes the choice more difficult. Thus, we reviewed clinical trial evidence evaluating newer therapies available for treatment intensification beyond monotherapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Head-to-head studies comparing newer therapies versus traditional (i.e., sulfonylurea) approaches consistently find lower incidence of hypoglycemia and weight gain with newer therapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors demonstrate high glycemic efficacy, while merits of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors include their tolerability. Secondary effects (weight loss, cardiovascular outcomes, renal function) are of growing interest with newer therapies. Choices for treatment intensification in T2DM diabetes are numerous. Understanding the comparative evidence of newer treatment choices, as provided in this review, may help guide clinical decision making.

Albiglutide efficacy and safety in the Latino/Hispanic subpopulation for the integrated phase III program

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the efficacy and safety of albiglutide compared with placebo and active comparators from an integrated trial subpopulation of Latino/Hispanic patients whose type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was inadequately controlled on their current regimen of diet and exercise, with or without oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) and/or insulin.

METHODS

Latino/Hispanic patient subpopulations (N = 1204) across 7 phase III albiglutide studies (N = 4400) were evaluated post-hoc for efficacy and safety. Comparators were placebo, sulfonylureas, insulin, thiazolidinediones, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Glycatedhemoglobin (HbA_1c) change from baseline to the time of the primary endpoint assessment (from 26 to 104 weeks) was evaluated in patients on diet and exercise and/or OADs, with or without insulin. Patients were allowed to continue in the study if hyperglycemic rescue was required, according to a prespecified algorithm and at the discretion of the investigator.

RESULTS

At baseline in the Latino/Hispanic subpopulation, the mean HbA_1c was 8.3%, mean age was 53 years, mean body mass index was 32 kg/m², and mean duration of T2DM was 8.0 years. The primary endpoint of mean HbA_1c difference (albiglutide - placebo) was -0.94% for the Latino/Hispanic subpopulation and -0.86% (p < 0.001) for the overall phase III population. Changes in fasting plasma glucose mirrored those of HbA_1c. Weight loss with albiglutide was numerically greater than with OADs and insulin in both populations, but it was smaller than with liraglutide. Within the Latino/Hispanic subpopulation, more injection-site reactions were reported with albiglutide vs all comparators, while gastrointestinal and hypoglycemic adverse events were comparable between the two groups, and the latter was uncommon when used without insulin and/or a sulfonylurea.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Latino/Hispanic population, albiglutide resulted in effective lowering of glucose and modest weight loss, and it was generally well tolerated.

Three-year data from 5 HARMONY phase 3 clinical trials of albiglutide in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Long-term efficacy with or without rescue therapy

AIMS

Diabetes therapies that provide durable glycaemic control for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are needed. We present efficacy results of albiglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, in people with T2DM over a 3-year period.

METHODS

Five of the 8 HARMONY phase 3 trials, comparing albiglutide with other therapies or placebo across a spectrum of clinical care, lasted for a preplanned 3years. Participants with uncontrolled hyperglycaemia who met predetermined criteria could receive rescue medication. The ability to remain on study medication without needing additional rescue was an efficacy measure. Glycaemic measures and body weight were analysed in 2 populations: those who remained rescue-free and all participants.

RESULTS

Participants (n=3132) were randomised to albiglutide or comparator. A greater proportion of participants who received albiglutide remained rescue-free (55-71%) compared with placebo (35-51%; p<0.001 to p=0.002). The proportion of rescue-free participants with albiglutide did not differ from glimepiride or insulin glargine, was higher than with sitagliptin (p=0.013), and lower than with pioglitazone (p=0.045). At 3years, albiglutide was associated with clinically significant reductions in hyperglycaemia (eg, rescue-free participants: HbA1c -0.52% [SE0.11] to -0.98% [0.12]; -5.7mmol/mol [1.2] to -10.7mmol/mol [1.3] and all participants: HbA1c -0.29% [0.11] to-0.92% [0.13]; -3.2mmol/mol [1.2] to -10.1mmol/mol [1.4]). Albiglutide was also associated with modest reductions in body weight vs pioglitazone, glimepiride, and insulin glargine, which were associated with weight gain.

CONCLUSION

These 3-year efficacy data support long-term use of albiglutide in the management of people with T2DM. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00849056, NCT00849017, NCT00838903, NCT00838916, NCT00839527.

The safety of albiglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Albiglutide is a marketed long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administered by weekly injection. It has significantly less gastrointestinal side effects than other GLP-1 RAs in current use but does not improve HbA1c or promote weight loss to the same extent as competitor agents such as liraglutide. Area Covered: The safety of albiglutide is discussed. The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert Opinion: Unlike competitor agents, the gastrointestinal side effects of albiglutide are not much greater than placebo. It has been studied and appears safe at all stages of renal failure. There exists concern about an imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A large long term study now underway will determine if albiglutide, with its relatively favorable GI tolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Albiglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: An integrated safety analysis of the HARMONY phase 3 trials

AIMS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) stimulate the incretin system and lower glycaemic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This analysis of clinical studies of up to 3years evaluated the safety of albiglutide, a GLP-1 RA, in people with T2DM.

METHODS

Integrated safety analysis included seven phase-3 T2DM studies of albiglutide compared with placebo and/or active comparators (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, GLP-1 RA, insulin, sulphonylurea, and thiazolidinedione).

RESULTS

Studies of 32months (HARMONY 7), 1year (HARMONY 6), and 3years (HARMONY 1-5), reported similar rates of adverse events (AEs) (84.8%, 82.3%), and serious AEs (13.1%, 12.9%) between albiglutide and all comparators, respectively. AEs that did not differ between the groups included symptomatic or severe hypoglycaemia as well as nausea (12.0%, 11.3%) and vomiting (5.3%, 4.7%) for albiglutide and all comparators, respectively. According to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities preferred terms, only diarrhoea (13.7%, 9.9%), injection-site reaction (9.0%, 2.0%), and peripheral oedema (4.5%, 6.8%) had at least 2% difference between the albiglutide and all-comparator groups. In a similar integrated analysis, pancreatitis occurred more often with albiglutide (0.3%, 0.1%). Renal and cardiac function did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In an integrated analysis of seven phase 3 clinical trials, albiglutide-treated patients experienced frequencies of AEs (including cardiovascular and renal) similar to the all-comparators group treated with other T2DM medications or placebo. Albiglutide treatment was associated with higher rates of diarrhoea and injection-site reactions, but not increased nausea and vomiting, versus all comparators.

Current therapeutic approaches in the management of hyperglycemia in chronic renal disease

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are intricately intertwined. DM is the most common cause of CKD. Adequate control of DM is necessary for prevention of progression of CKD, while careful management of the metabolic abnormalities in CKD will assist in achieving better control of DM. Two of the key organs involved in glucose production are the kidney and the liver. Furthermore, the kidney also plays a role in glucose filtration and reabsorption. In CKD, monitoring of glycemic control using traditional methods such as Hemoglobin A1c (Hba1c) must be done with caution secondary to associated hematological abnormalities in CKD. With regard to medication management in the care of patients with DM, CKD has significant effects. For example, the dosages of oral and non-insulin anti-hyperglycemic agents often need to be modified according to renal function. Insulin metabolism is altered in CKD, and a reduction in insulin dose is almost always needed. Dialysis also affects various aspects of glucose homeostasis, necessitating appropriate changes in therapy. Due to the aforementioned factors glycemic management in patients with DM and CKD can be quiet challenging.

Albiglutide, a weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, improves glycemic parameters in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes over 1 year when added to single oral antidiabetic drugs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once weekly albiglutide added to a single oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this phase 3, 1 year study (NCT01777282), patients (N = 374) received albiglutide 30 mg plus a single OAD (sulfonylurea [n = 120], biguanide [n = 67)], glinide [n = 65], thiazolidinedione [n = 61], or α-glucosidase inhibitor [n = 61]). Albiglutide could be increased to 50 mg after Week 4, based on glycemic criteria. Primary endpoints were the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and hypoglycemia; secondary endpoints were changes from baseline at Week 52 in HbA_1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), proportion of patients achieving HbA_1c ≤7.0%, and withdrawals due to hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

On-therapy AEs occurred in 78.6% of patients and serious AEs in 2.1%. Common AEs were nasopharyngitis (32.6%), constipation (7.2%), and diabetic retinopathy (5.3%). No serious AEs occurred more than once or were reported in >1 patient. Hypoglycemia occurred in 6.4% of patients, mostly in the albiglutide + sulfonylurea (14.2%) and the albiglutide + glinide (6.2%) groups. Albiglutide was uptitrated in 53.2% of patients. Mean baseline HbA_1c was 8.1%. Mean decreases from baseline in HbA_1c were observed with the addition of albiglutide to thiazolidinediones (-1.42%), α-glucosidase inhibitors (-1.39%), sulfonylureas (-1.04%), glinides (-0.95%), and biguanides (-0.94%). HbA_1c of <7% in >50% of patients and mean reductions in FPG were achieved in all groups. Mean changes from baseline in body weight ranged from +0.52 kg (albiglutide + thiazolidinedione) to -0.33 kg (albiglutide + biguanide). Limitations of the study included open label treatment that was not randomized.

CONCLUSIONS

When combined with a single OAD in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled T2DM, albiglutide led to favorable changes in all glycemic parameters, with minor changes in body weight depending on the background OAD. No new safety concerns were noted.

NRF2 activation by antioxidant antidiabetic agents accelerates tumor metastasis

Cancer is a common comorbidity of diabetic patients; however, little is known about the effects that antidiabetic drugs have on tumors. We discovered that common classes of drugs used in type 2 diabetes mellitus, the hypoglycemic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) saxagliptin and sitagliptin, as well as the antineuropathic α-lipoic acid (ALA), do not increase tumor incidence but increase the risk of metastasis of existing tumors. Specifically, these drugs induce prolonged activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated antioxidant response through inhibition of KEAP1-C151-dependent ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of NRF2, resulting in up-regulated expression of metastasis-associated proteins, increased cancer cell migration, and promotion of metastasis in xenograft mouse models. Accordingly, knockdown of NRF2 attenuated naturally occurring and DPP-4i-induced tumor metastasis, whereas NRF2 activation accelerated metastasis. Furthermore, in human liver cancer tissue samples, increased NRF2 expression correlated with metastasis. Our findings suggest that antioxidants that activate NRF2 signaling may need to be administered with caution in cancer patients, such as diabetic patients with cancer. Moreover, NRF2 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for tumor metastasis.

Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist

INTRODUCTION

Albiglutide is a long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administered by weekly injection. Area covered: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of albiglutide and its clinical effects are discussed. The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert opinion: Albiglutide has a chemical structure quite distinct from that of other marketed GLP-1 RAs. The agent has less gastrointestinal side effects than other comparable GLP-1 RAs and is safe in patients with renal failure. As a sole treatment for diabetes and used with other hypoglycemic agents, it achieves a lowering of HbA1c of up to 1%, less than several competitor GLP-1 RAs. The benefit on weight reduction is minimal compared to other GLP-1 RAs. There exists concern about an imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A large long term study now underway will determine if albiglutide, with its lower level of GI intolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Short-term and long-term effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

To assess the short-term and long-term effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of DPP-4 inhibitor interventions in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment was performed. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through the end of March 2015. Randomized clinical trials were selected if (1) DPP-4 inhibitors were compared with a placebo or other active-comparators, (2) the treatment duration was ≥12 weeks and (3) data regarding changes in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ), changes in fasting plasma glucose or hypoglycaemia and other adverse events were reported. Of 790 studies, ten studies on eight randomized clinical trials were included. Compared with the control group, DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a greater HbA1c reduction in both the short-term [mean differences (MD) = -0.45, 95% confidence intervals (-0.57, -0.33), p < 0.0001] and long-term [MD = -0.33, 95% confidence intervals (-0.63, -0.03), p = 0.03] treatments. However, the long-term greater reduction in HbA1c with DPP-4 inhibitor treatment was only significant when the control treatment comprised placebo plus stable background treatment, but not glipizide plus stable background treatment. DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a greater fasting plasma glucose reduction [MD = -12.59, 95% confidence intervals (-22.01, -3.17), p = 0.009] over the short-term; however, this effect was not present over the long-term. Regarding the hypoglycaemia adverse events assessment, the long-term treatment data indicated there was no increased risk of hypoglycaemia compared with placebo or active-controlled anti-diabetic drugs. The present meta-analysis confirms that DPP-4 inhibitors are effective and equivalent to other agents in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with renal impairment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Gastrointestinal safety across the albiglutide development programme

Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are the most frequently reported treatment-related AEs associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The GI safety of albiglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1RA, was assessed using data from five phase III studies. In a pooled analysis of four placebo-controlled trials, the most common GI AEs were diarrhoea (albiglutide, 14.5% vs. placebo, 11.5%) and nausea (albiglutide, 11.9% vs. placebo, 10.3%), with most patients experiencing 1-2 events. The majority were mild or moderate in intensity and their median duration was 3-4 days. Vomiting occurred in 4.9% of patients in the albiglutide vs. 2.6% in the placebo group. For both albiglutide and placebo, serious GI AEs (2.0% vs. 1.5%) and withdrawals attributable to GI AEs (1.7% vs. 1.5%) were low. In a 32-week trial of albiglutide 50 mg weekly versus liraglutide 1.8 mg daily, nausea occurred in 9.9% of patients in the albiglutide group vs. 29.2% in the liraglutide group. Vomiting occurred in 5.0% in the albiglutide vs. 9.3% in the liraglutide group. In conclusion, albiglutide has an acceptable GI tolerability profile, with nausea and vomiting rates slightly higher than those for placebo but lower than those for liraglutide.

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and tolerability of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

This updated meta-analysis determines the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on glycemic and tolerability outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease with glomerular filtration rate of ⩽60 mL/min or on dialysis.

METHODS

In all, 14 citations were identified from multiple databases. Qualitative assessments and quantitative analyses were performed.

RESULTS

There were 2261 participants, 49-79 years of age, 49% men and 44% Caucasians. In seven placebo-comparator studies, reduction in hemoglobin A1c at weeks 12-24 was 0.55% (95% confidence interval: -0.68 to -0.43), P < 0.00001). In three sulfonylurea-comparator studies, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors did not significantly reduce hemoglobin A1c at weeks 52-54 (-0.15% (95% confidence interval: -0.32 to 0.02)). In one sitagliptin versus albiglutide study, albiglutide significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c in patients with moderate renal impairment (-0.51%). A similar reduction in hemoglobin A1c was seen with sitagliptin versus vildagliptin (-0.56% vs -0.54%). Compared with placebo or sulfonylurea, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors did not significantly reduce hemoglobin A1c after 12 and 54 weeks in patients on dialysis. Hypoglycemia was reported by ~30% of patients in both dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and placebo groups over 24-52 weeks. While hypoglycemia was more common with a sulfonylurea at 52-54 weeks (risk ratio: 0.46 (95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 1.18)), there was significant heterogeneity (I (2) = 87%). Limitations included high drop-out rate from most studies and small number of active-comparator studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease caused a modest reduction in hemoglobin A1c versus placebo, but not when compared with sulfonylureas or albiglutide, or when used in patients on dialysis. Additional active-comparator studies are needed to further elucidate the role of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 or on dialysis.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist albiglutide (HARMONY 2): 52 week primary endpoint results from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Additional safe and effective therapies for type 2 diabetes are needed, especially ones that do not cause weight gain and have a low risk of hypoglycaemia. The present study evaluated albiglutide as monotherapy.

METHODS

In this placebo-controlled study, 309 patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and exercise and who were not using a glucose-lowering agent (HbA1c 7.0-10.0% [53.00-85.79 mmol/mol], body mass index 20-45 kg/m(2), and fasting C-peptide ≥ 0.26 nmol/l) were randomised (1:1:1 on a fixed randomisation schedule using an interactive voice response system) to receive once-weekly albiglutide 30 mg (n = 102) or 50 mg (n = 102) or matching placebo (n = 105). The study treatments were blinded to both patients and study personnel. All study data were collected at individual patient clinic visits. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to week 52. The primary analysis was applied to the intent-to-treat population. Additional efficacy and safety endpoints were assessed.

RESULTS

At week 52, both albiglutide 30 mg and 50 mg were superior to placebo in reducing HbA1c. The least-squares means treatment difference from placebo was -0.84% (95% CI -1.11%, -0.58%; p < 0.0001) with albiglutide 30 mg and -1.04% (-1.31%, -0.77%; p < 0.0001) with albiglutide 50 mg. Injection-site reactions were reported more frequently with albiglutide (30 mg: 17.8%; 50 mg: 22.2%) than with placebo (9.9%). Other commonly reported adverse events included nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and hypoglycaemia; the incidences of these were generally similar across treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Albiglutide is safe and effective as monotherapy and significantly lowered HbA1c levels over 52 weeks, did not cause weight gain, and had good gastrointestinal tolerability and a low rate of hypoglycaemia compared with placebo. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00849017 Funding This study was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline.

Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide Versus Placebo as Add-on to Glucose-Lowering Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment (LIRA-RENAL): A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

Renal impairment in type 2 diabetes limits available glucose-lowering treatment options. This trial was conducted to establish the efficacy and safety of liraglutide as an add-on to existing glucose-lowering medications in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this 26-week, double-blind trial, 279 patients with HbA1c 7-10%, BMI 20-45 kg/m(2), and moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2); MDRD) were randomized (1:1) to once-daily liraglutide 1.8 mg (n = 140) or placebo (n = 139).

RESULTS

The estimated treatment difference in HbA1c from baseline to week 26 was -0.66% (-7.25 mmol/mol) (95% CI -0.90 to -0.43 [-9.82 to -4.69]), P < 0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose decreased more with liraglutide (-1.22 mmol/L [-22.0 mg/dL]) than with placebo (-0.57 mmol/L [-10.3 mg/dL], P = 0.036). There was a greater reduction in body weight with liraglutide (-2.41 kg) than with placebo (-1.09 kg, P = 0.0052). No changes in renal function were observed (eGFR relative ratio to baseline: -1% liraglutide, +1% placebo; estimated treatment ratio [ETR] 0.98, P = 0.36). The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (liraglutide, 35.7%; placebo, 17.5%). No difference in hypoglycemic episodes was observed between treatment groups (event rate/100 patient-years of exposure: liraglutide, 30.47; placebo, 40.08; P = 0.54). The estimated ratio to baseline for lipase was 1.33 for liraglutide and 0.97 for placebo (ETR 1.37, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide did not affect renal function and demonstrated better glycemic control, with no increase in hypoglycemia risk but with higher withdrawals due to GI adverse events than placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment.

Treatment potential of the GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review

Over the last decade, the discovery of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has increased the treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP-1 RAs mimic the effects of native GLP-1, which increases insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, increases satiety and slows gastric emptying. This review evaluates the phase III trials for all approved GLP-1 RAs and reports that all GLP-1 RAs decrease HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and lead to a reduction in body weight in the majority of trials. The most common adverse events are nausea and other gastrointestinal discomfort, while hypoglycaemia is rarely reported when GLP-1 RAs not are combined with sulfonylurea or insulin. Treatment options in the near future will include co-formulations of basal insulin and a GLP-1 RA.