A Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bexagliflozin for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To review the pharmacology of bexagliflozin in addition to its safety and efficacy from available clinical trials used for its approval, as well as available clinical evidence to date.

DATA SOURCES

A search of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) and PubMed database was performed from inception through June 1, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION QUANTIFICATION

The following study designs were included: meta-analyses, systematic review, clinical trial, or observational study design. Abstracts and drug monographs were also reviewed. Narrative or scoping reviews were excluded. Only articles in the English language and those evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, or efficacy of bexaglifozin in humans were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Bexagliflozin reduces hemoglobin A1c ~0.5% with similar reductions in systolic blood pressure and body weight to other SGLT2 inhibitors. No cardiovascular outcomes trial is published, nor ongoing at this time. Adverse effects are similar to other SGLT2 inhibitors (genital mycotic and urinary tract infections, increased urination) including a warning for lower extremity amputation similar to canagliflozin.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON TO EXISTING DRUGS

Although no cost-effectiveness data are available, statements from the manufacturer suggest a competitive price point. Given limited trial data, lower cost, if chosen, may create a temporary niche for bexagliflozin pending generic availability of other SGLT2 inhibitors. However, given lack of cardiovascular and renal outcome data, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or canagliflozin may be preferred.

CONCLUSION

Bexagliflozin appears safe and effective as monotherapy and add-on pharmacological therapy for the treatment of T2D.

Ethnic disparities in cardiovascular and renal responses to canagliflozin between Asian and White patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A post hoc analysis of the CANVAS Program

AIM

To assess the potential heterogeneity in cardiovascular (CV), renal and safety outcomes of canagliflozin between Whites and Asians, as well as these outcomes in each subgroup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CANVAS Program enrolled 10 142 patients with type 2 diabetes, comprising 78.34% Whites and 12.66% Asians. CV, renal and safety outcomes were comprehensively analysed using Cox regression models, while intermediate markers were assessed using time-varying mixed-effects models. Racial heterogeneity was evaluated by adding a treatment-race interacion term.

RESULTS

Canagliflozin showed no significant racial disparities in the majority of the CV, renal and safety outcomes. The heterogeneity (p = .04) was observed on all-cause mortality, with reduced risk in Whites (hazard ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.99) and a statistically non-significant increased risk in Asians (hazard ratio 1.64; 95% confidence interval 0.94-2.90). There was a significant racial difference in acute kidney injury (p = .04) and a marginally significant racial heterogeneity for the composite of hospitalization for heart failure and CV death (p = .06) and serious renal-related adverse events (p = .07).

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin reduced CV and renal risks similarly in Whites and Asians; however, there was a significant racial discrepancy in all-cause mortality. This distinction may be attributed to the fact that Asian patients exhibited diminished CV protection effects and more renal adverse events with canagliflozin, potentially resulting from the smaller reductions in weight and uric acid. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the impact of race on treatment response to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and provide more precise treatment strategies.

Ketonuria in an adult with Prader-Willi syndrome and diabetes mellitus: A case report

RATIONALE

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple systems. Approximately one-quarter of PWS patients will develop diabetes. Given the uncontrolled hyperphagia and resultant severe obesity in these patients, their glycemic management poses a significant challenge.

CASE REPORT

We present the clinical profile of a male patient diagnosed with both PWS and diabetes. Previous administration of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor Canagliflozin resulted in improved glycemic control and weight management. But at the age of 25, the patient was hospitalized due to worsened glycemic control and the detection of ketonuria. After thorough examination and clinical observation, we discovered that the patient ketonuria was associated with enhanced lipid metabolism related to Canagliflozin. After excluding the risk of SGLT-2 inhibitor-induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, adjustments of the hypoglycemic regimen, building upon prior treatment, were recommended for the patient.

CONCLUSION

It is important to note that among patients with both PWS and diabetes, the utilization of SGLT-2 inhibitors can lead to the emergence of ketonuria due to increased lipolysis. Therefore, any decision to discontinue SGLT-2 inhibitors should undergo thorough evaluation.

Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Vulnerability to Canagliflozin-induced Adverse Effects on 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D and PTH

CONTEXT

Canagliflozin has been reported to increase the risk of bone fracture-possibly mediated by decreasing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and increasing parathyroid hormone (PTH).

OBJECTIVE

This work investigated whether baseline vitamin D (VitD) deficiency renders individuals vulnerable to this adverse effect and whether VitD3 supplementation is protective.

METHODS

This community-based, outpatient study had a paired design comparing individual participants before and after VitD3 supplementation. Eleven VitD-deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤ 20 ng/mL) individuals were recruited from the Amish population in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Participants underwent 2 canagliflozin challenge protocols (300 mg daily for 5 days): the first before and the second after VitD3 supplementation. In the VitD3 supplementation protocol, participants received VitD3 supplementation (50 000 IU once or twice a week depending on body mass index for 4-6 weeks) to achieve 25(OH)D of 30 ng/mL or greater. Two coprimary end points were identified: effects of VitD3 supplementation on canagliflozin-induced changes in 1,25(OH)2D and PTH. Secondary end points included effects of VitD3 supplementation on baseline levels of VitD metabolites and PTH.

RESULTS

VitD3 supplementation increased mean 25(OH)D from 16.5 ± 1.6 to 44.3 ± 5.5 ng/mL (P = .0006) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) from 1.0 ± 0.1 to 4.3 ± 0.6 ng/mL (P = .0002). Mean 1,25(OH)2D and PTH were unchanged. VitD3 supplementation decreased the magnitude of canagliflozin-induced changes in 1,25(OH)2D (from -31.3%±4.7% to -9.3%±8.3%; P = .04) and PTH (from +36.2%±6.2% to +9.7%±3.7%; P = .005).

CONCLUSION

VitD deficiency rendered individuals more vulnerable to adverse effects of canagliflozin on biomarkers associated with bone health. VitD3 supplementation was protective against canagliflozin's short-term adverse effects on 1,25(OH)2D and PTH.

Canagliflozin ameliorates hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease with a high mortality and few treatment options to prevent the development of pulmonary vessel remodeling, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular failure. Canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, is originally used in diabetes patients which could assist the glucose excretion and decrease blood glucose. Recently, a few studies have reported the protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitor on monocrotaline-induced PAH. However, the effects of canagliflozin on hypobaric hypoxia-induced PAH as well as its mechanism still unclear. In this study, we used hypobaric hypoxia-induced PAH mice model to demonstrate if canagliflozin could alleviate PAH and prevent pulmonary vessel remodeling. We found that daily canagliflozin administration significantly improved survival in mice with hypobaric hypoxia-induced PAH compared to vehicle control. Canagliflozin treatment significantly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure and increased pulmonary acceleration time determined by hemodynamic assessments. Canagliflozin significantly reduced medial wall thickening and decreased muscularization of pulmonary arterioles compared to vehicle treated mice. In addition, canagliflozin inhibited the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells through suppressing glycolysis and reactivating AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway under hypoxia condition. In summary, our findings suggest that canagliflozin is sufficient to inhibit pulmonary arterial remodeling which is a potential therapeutic strategy for PAH treatment.

The effects of canagliflozin in type 2 diabetes in subgroups defined by population-specific body mass index: Insights from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial

AIM

To assess the effects of canagliflozin on clinical outcomes and intermediate markers across population-specific body mass index (BMI) categories in the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial.

METHODS

Individual participant data were pooled and analysed in subgroups according to population-specific BMI. The main outcomes of interest were: major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke or cardiovascular death); composite renal outcome; and changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight, albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope. Cox proportional hazards models and mixed-effect models were used.

RESULTS

A total of 14 520 participants were included, of whom 9378 (65%) had obesity. Overall, canagliflozin reduced the risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 0.93) with no heterogeneity of treatment effect across BMI subgroups (Pheterogeneity  = 0.76). Similarly, canagliflozin reduced composite renal outcomes (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.84) with no heterogeneity across subgroups observed (Pheterogeneity  = 0.72). The effects of canagliflozin on body weight and SBP differed across BMI subgroups (Pheterogeneity  <0.01 and 0.04, respectively) but were consistent for albuminuria (Pheterogeneity  = 0.60). Chronic eGFR slope with canagliflozin treatment was consistent across subgroups (Pheterogeneity  >0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

The cardiovascular and renal benefits of canagliflozin and its safety profile were consistent across population-specific BMI subgroups for adults in the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial.

Comparative safety of different recommended doses of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Objective

The safety results of different recommended doses of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain uncertain. This study aims to comprehensively estimate and rank the relative safety outcomes with different doses of SGLT-2i for T2DM.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database, and SinoMed database were searched from the inception to 31 May 2023. We included double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT-2i with placebo or another antihyperglycemic as oral monotherapy in the adults with a diagnosis of T2DM.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs with 12,990 patients randomly assigned to 10 pharmacological interventions and placebo were included. Regarding genital infections (GI), all SGLT-2i, except for ertugliflozin and ipragliflozin, were associated with a higher risk of GI compared to placebo. Empagliflozin 10mg/d (88.2%, odds ratio [OR] 7.90, 95% credible interval [CrI] 3.39 to 22.08) may be the riskiest, followed by empagliflozin 25mg/d (83.4%, OR 7.22, 95%CrI 3.11 to 20.04)) and canagliflozin 300mg/d (70.8%, OR 5.33, 95%CrI 2.25 to 13.83) based on probability rankings. Additionally, dapagliflozin 10mg/d ranked highest for urinary tract infections (UTI, OR 2.11, 95%CrI 1.20 to 3.79, 87.2%), renal impairment (80.7%), and nasopharyngitis (81.6%) when compared to placebo and other treatments. No increased risk of harm was observed with different doses of SGLT-2i regarding hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, diabetic ketoacidosis, or fracture. Further subgroup analysis by gender revealed no significantly increased risk of UTI. Dapagliflozin 10mg/d (91.9%) and canagliflozin 300mg/d (88.8%) ranked first in the female and male subgroups, respectively, according to the probability rankings for GI.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicated that SGLT-2i did not significantly increase the risk of harm when comparing different doses, except for dapagliflozin 10mg/d, which showed an increased risk of UTI and may be associated with a higher risk of renal impairment and nasopharyngitis. Additionally, compared with placebo and metformin, the risk of GI was notably elevated for empagliflozin 10mg/d, canagliflozin 300mg/d, and dapagliflozin 10mg/d. However, it is important to note that further well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are necessary to verify and optimize the current body of evidence.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023396023.

Effect of canagliflozin in non-diabetic obese patients with albuminuria: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) has been shown to improve renal outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease. However, the effect of SGLT2i on renal outcomes in patients with non-diabetic obesity is still not established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we assigned non-diabetic patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, persistent 24-hour urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 10 mg/gCr, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2, who had been treated with renin-angiotensin system blockade, to canagliflozin 100 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks. The reduction in UACR and eGFR at 12 and 24 weeks were explored. (Thai Clinical Trials Registry 20190203003).

RESULTS

Of 247 non-diabetic obese patients screened, 32 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent randomization. The median baseline of UACR was 69.1 mg/gCr. There were no statistically significant differences in albuminuria reduction between the groups at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. The estimated GFR in the canagliflozin group decreased significantly from baseline at 12 weeks (-5.39 mL/min/1.73m2; 95% CI -9.81 to -0.97; p = 0.017) but not at 24 weeks (-1.16 mL/min/1.73m2; 95% CI -5.58 to 3.26; p = 0.66), and there was no significant change from baseline in the placebo group at both 12 and 24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin 100 mg daily was well tolerated but did not significantly reduce UACR in non-diabetic obese patients with microalbuminuria. However, a significant temporary decline in eGFR might reflect a subtle reduction in glomerular hyperfiltration.

Impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on patient outcomes: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A comprehensive network meta-analysis comparing the effects of individual sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on patients with and without comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (DM), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been previously conducted.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials up to March 28, 2023. Network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to calculate risk ratios (RRs). Risk of Bias tool 2.0 was used to assess bias, and CINeMA to assess the certainty of evidence. In the subgroup analysis, the SGLT2 inhibitors were classified into highly (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin) and less selective SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin and sotagliflozin).

RESULTS

A total of fourteen trials with 75,334 patients were analyzed. Among these, 40,956 had taken SGLT2 inhibitors and 34,378 had not. One of the main results with particular findings was empagliflozin users had a significantly lower risk of all-cause death compared to dapagliflozin users in DM population (RR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.96). In HF population, sotagliflozin users had a borderline significantly lower risk of CV death or hospitalization for HF (HHF) than dapagliflozin users (RR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.80-1.01). In non-HF population, those who used canagliflozin had a significantly lower risk of CV death or HHF compared with those who used dapagliflozin (RR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.98). At last, for HF patients, those who used less selective SGLT2 inhibitors had a significantly lower risk of MACEs compared to those who used highly selective SGLT2 inhibitors (RR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Our network meta-analysis revealed that empagliflozin users with diabetes experienced a lower risk of dying from any cause than those using dapagliflozin. Additionally, canagliflozin users demonstrated a reduced risk of cardiovascular death or HHF compared to dapagliflozin users in those without HF. In HF patients, less selective SGLT2 inhibitors showed superior CV composite outcomes, even surpassing the performance of highly selective SGLT2 inhibitors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO [CRD42022361906].

Comparative efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

In this study, the summarized WMDs and RRs were calculated using a pairwise analysis and a network meta-analysis with a random effects model, to compare and rank the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i for renal outcomes in patients with T2DM. Among 1894 identified articles, 30 trials including 50,244 patients with T2DM were evaluated. Network analysis revealed that the administration of canagliflozin was associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment (surface under the cumulative ranking: 90.8%). Further, although the administration of SGLT-2i was not associated with the risk of renal impairment (RR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.68-1.15, p = 0.354), the administration of empagliflozin was associated with a reduced risk of renal impairment compared to that with the administration of placebo (RR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.62-0.90, p = 0.002). Moreover, compared with the administration of a placebo, the administration of 50, 100, and 200 mg of canagliflozin was associated with lower serum creatinine levels. Furthermore, compared with the administration of a placebo, the administration of 100 mg canagliflozin, 2.5 mg dapagliflozin, and 25 mg empagliflozin was associated with a lower reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Except for 300 mg canagliflozin, all SGLT-2i were associated with greater increases in blood urea nitrogen levels (WMD = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.20-1.59, p < 0.001). Finally, the administration of all SGLT-2i significantly increased the ratio of urinary glucose to creatinine compared with the ratio upon administration of placebo (WMD = 36.21, 95%CI = 31.50-40.92, p < 0.001). Briefly, canagliflozin exerts the greatest therapeutic effect in terms of reducing the risk of renal impairment. Empagliflozin and canagliflozin may be more effective than other SGLT-2i in preventing renal impairment.

Canagliflozin + metformin ER for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: the evidence to date

INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) usually show progressive deterioration in glycemic control and sequential additions of therapy are generally needed. Many new options for glucose lowering therapy have been introduced recently and it is becoming common practice to use fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of glucose lowering agents from different classes. This article reviews the FDC of canagliflozin with metformin extended release.

AREAS COVERED

A literature search was performed to identify publications describing the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin and metformin when used separately and in combinations.

EXPERT OPINION

Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor which has shown benefits in reducing progression of renal disease and heart failure in patients with T2D. There was an increased incidence of amputation with canagliflozin in one study, but canagliflozin results in weight loss and reduction of blood pressure which contribute to the overall benefit. Metformin has been the first line oral hypoglycemic agent for many years and is thought to have many advantages, but it should be avoided in patients with severely decreased renal function because of the risk of lactic acidosis. The combination in a single tablet given once daily should help to simplify therapy and improve medication adherence in T2D.

Relationship Between Canagliflozin, Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, and Hematopoietic Effects in Patients With Diabetes and Mild Heart Failure: Results From the CANDLE Trial

ABSTRACT

There were few clinical studies on the relationship between sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and hematopoiesis in patients with diabetes (DM) and heart failure (HF) with consideration of systemic volume status. A total of 226 DM patients with HF enrolled in the CANDLE trial, a multicenter, prospective, randomized open-label blinded-endpoint trial, were studied. Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) was calculated based on a weight- and hematocrit-based formula. At baseline, there was no significant difference in hematocrit and hemoglobin between the canagliflozin (n = 109) and glimepiride (n = 116) groups. Hematocrit and hemoglobin at 24 weeks, changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin difference (24 weeks-baseline), and hematocrit and hemoglobin ratio (24 weeks/baseline) were significantly higher in the canagliflozin than in the glimepiride group, respectively. There was no significant difference in ePVS at baseline and 24 weeks between the 2 groups. After adjustment for baseline parameters, canagliflozin correlated positively with changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin difference, and hematocrit and hemoglobin ratio by multivariate linear regression analyses. The difference in hematocrit and hemoglobin between the 2 groups became statistically significant at 3 and 6 months after randomization. There was no heterogeneity between canagliflozin and the characteristics of the patients for hematocrit and hemoglobin difference and ratio. A correlation of the changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin with cardiac and renal improvement was not observed. In conclusion, canagliflozin was associated with an increased hematocrit and hemoglobin in patients with diabetes and HF regardless of their volume status and characteristics.

Glycemic Control and Effects of Canagliflozin in Reducing Albuminuria and eGFR: A Post Hoc Analysis of the CREDENCE Trial

BACKGROUND

In the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial, the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin improved kidney and cardiovascular outcomes and reduced the rate of estimated glomerular filtration decline (eGFR slope) in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. In other clinical trials of patients with CKD or heart failure, the protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on eGFR slope were greater in participants with versus participants without type 2 diabetes. This post hoc analysis of the CREDENCE trial assessed whether the effects of canagliflozin on eGFR slope varied according to patient subgroups by baseline glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

METHODS

CREDENCE ( ClinicalTrials.gov [ NCT02065791 ]) was a randomized controlled trial in adults with type 2 diabetes with an HbA1c of 6.5%-12.0%, an eGFR of 30-90 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 300-5000 mg/g. Participants were randomly assigned to canagliflozin 100 mg once daily or placebo. We studied the effect of canagliflozin on eGFR slope using linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

The annual difference in total eGFR slope was 1.52 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.93) slower in participants randomized to canagliflozin compared with placebo. The rate of eGFR decline was faster in those with poorer baseline glycemic control. The mean difference in total eGFR slope between canagliflozin and placebo was greater in participants with poorer baseline glycemic control (difference in eGFR slope of 0.39, 1.36, 2.60, 1.63 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 for HbA1c subgroups 6.5%-7.0%, 7.0%-8.0%, 8.0%-10.0%, 10.0%-12.0%, respectively; Pinteraction = 0.010). The mean difference in change from baseline in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio between participants randomized to canagliflozin and placebo was smaller in patients with baseline HbA1c 6.5%-7.0% (-17% [95% CI, -28 to -5]) compared with those with an HbA1c of 7.0%-12% (-32% [95% CI, -40 to -28]; Pinteraction = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of canagliflozin on eGFR slope in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD was more pronounced in patients with higher baseline HbA1c, partly because of the more rapid decline in kidney function in these individuals.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

Evaluation of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Participants With Diabetic Nephropathy (CREDENCE), NCT02065791.

Hypertriglyceridemia in equines with refractory hyperinsulinemia treated with SGLT2 inhibitors

Background: Sodium-Glucose CoTransporter-2 [SGLT2] inhibitors, the -flozin group of drugs, which block glucose reuptake in the renal proximal tubule, are being increasingly used off-label to treat horses with refractory hyperinsulinemia. After two years of use by animals in our group, a horse on canagliflozin was incidentally noted to be hyperlipemic. Case Description: We have been following a cohort of equines (n=20) treated with SGLT2 inhibitors due to refractory hyperinsulinemia. The animals are owned by members of the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group (ECIR) and treated by their attending veterinarians. The index case was a 23 year old gelding with a 2 year history of recurring laminitis that began canagliflozin therapy to control hyperinsulinemia which was no longer responsive to metformin. Between 6-10 weeks post therapy, significant weight loss was noticed. Two days later he was hospitalized with colic symptoms and hyperlipemia but was bright, alert and eating well throughout. Canagliflozin was discontinued and triglycerides returned to normal reference values within 10 days. Subsequent study of 19 other horses on SGLT2 inhibitors revealed varying degrees of hypertriglyceridemia, all asymptomatic. Conclusion: While this class of drugs holds great promise for cases of refractory hyperinsulinemia and laminitis that do not respond to diet or metformin therapy, hypertriglyceridemia is a potential side effect. In our experience, animals remained asymptomatic and eating well. Further study of hypertriglyceridemia in horses on SGLT2 inhibitors and the possible mitigating effect of diet is indicated. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of hypertriglyceridemia with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in equines.

Kidney outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus did not differ between individual sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors

Data comparing kidney outcomes between individual sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are limited. Here, we aimed to compare the subsequent risk of developing kidney outcomes between individual inhibitors. This would be the first study to compare kidney outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus who were newly treated with individual SGLT2 inhibitors using a large-scale real-world dataset. To do this, we analyzed results from 12,100 patients with diabetes mellitus who were taking different SGLT2 inhibitors (2,573 with empagliflozin; 2,214 with dapagliflozin; 2,100 with canagliflozin; and 5,213 with other such inhibitors). The primary outcome was the rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline as assessed using a linear mixed-effects model with an unstructured covariance. The median age of the patients was 53 years, and 84.4% of the patients were men. The median fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels were 147 (interquartile range 126-178) mg/dL and 7.5 (6.9-8.4)%, respectively. The median eGFR was 78 mL/min/1.73 m² (interquartile range 68-90). The mean follow-up period was 773 days. The annual eGFR slopes of empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and other SGLT2 inhibitors were -1.15 (95% confidence interval, -1.33 to -0.96), -1.14 (-1.32 to -0.96), -1.24 (-1.44 to -1.04), and -1.06 (-1.18 to -0.94) ml/min/1.73 m², respectively. No significant interaction was detected between the SGLT2 inhibitors and time using a linear mixed-effects model. A multitude of sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our primary results. Thus, we found that there was no significant difference in the annual eGFR decline slopes between patients taking different SGLT2 inhibitors.

Canagliflozin and atrial fibrillation in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A secondary analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial and meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) and other key cardiorenal outcomes in a pooled analysis of the CANVAS and CREDENCE trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease were included and randomly assigned to canagliflozin or placebo. We explored the effects of canagliflozin on the incidence of first AF/AFL events and AF/AFL-related complications (ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/hospitalization for heart failure). Major adverse cardiovascular events and a renal-specific outcome by baseline AF/AFL status were analysed using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 354 participants experienced a first AF/AFL event. Canagliflozin had no detectable effect on AF/AFL (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-1.02) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis, however, suggested a possible reduction in AF/AFL in those with no AF/AFL history (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.99). Canagliflozin was also associated with a reduction in AF/AFL-related complications (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.65-0.86). There was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by baseline AF/AFL history for other key cardiorenal outcomes (all P_interaction  > 0.14). Meta-analysis of five sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor trials demonstrated a 19% reduction in AF/AFL events with active treatment (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a significant effect of canagliflozin on the incidence of AF/AFL events could not be shown, however, a possible reduction in AF/AFL events in those with no prior history requires further investigation. Meta-analysis suggests SGLT2 inhibition reduces AF/AFL incidence.

SGLT2-inhibitors are effective and safe in the elderly: The SOLD study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may have important benefits for the elderly with type 2 diabetes (T2D), however some safety concerns still limit their use in patients over 70 years of age. The SOLD study (SGLT2i in Older Diabetic patients) is a multicenter study, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SGLT2i in the older diabetic patients in a real-life setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed a population of 739 adults (mean age 75.4 ± 3.9 years, M/F 420/319) with T2D, which started a SGLT2i-based treatment after the age of 70, with at least one year of follow-up. Data were collected at baseline, at 6 and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

SGLT2i (37.5% Empagliflozin, 35.7% Dapagliflozin, 26.1% Canagliflozin, 0.7% Ertugliflozin) were an add-on therapy to Metformin in 88.6%, to basal insulin in 36.1% and to other antidiabetic drugs in 29.6% of cases. 565 subjects completed the follow up, while 174 (23.5%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events which were SGLT2i related. A statistically significant reduction of glycated hemoglobin (baseline vs 12 months: 7.8 ± 1.1 vs 7.1 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) and body mass index values (baseline vs 12 months: 29.2 ± 4.7 vs 28.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001) were evident during follow-up. Overall, estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable over time, with significant reduction of urinary albumin excretion. In the subgroup of patients which were ≥ 80 years, a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin values without renal function alterations was evident. Overall discontinuation rate during the follow-up period was different across age groups, being urinary tract infections and worsening of renal function the most common cause.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2i are well-tolerated and safe in the elderly and appear as an effective therapeutic option, though some caution is also suggested, especially in more fragile subjects.

A Comparative Study of efficacy and safety of different Sodium Glucose Co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors in the Management of Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

There are a handful of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors available in the global and Indian markets to manage type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, head-to-head comparison between different SGLT2 inhibitors is scarce. Therefore, the present study was aimed to analyze the effect of different SGLT2 inhibitors on glycemic control and body weight in Indian patients with T2DM.

METHODS

This was a prospective, interventional, nonrandomized study that included patients (N = 480) of either sex, aged ≥30 years, with inadequately controlled T2DM having HbA1c &gt; 8.5%, and were receiving either Canagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin or Remogliflozin on the background of triple-drug therapy. In this study, patients were evaluated for HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS), body weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 480 patients who received either Canagliflozin (n = 120), Empagliflozin (n = 120), Dapagliflozin (n = 120), or Remogliflozin (n = 120) were included in this study. There was a significant reduction in levels of HbA1c, FBS, PPBS, body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at week 12 and 24 in all treatment groups. The difference in mean values of glycemic parameters and body weight was comparable across the treatment groups at week 12 and 24 but was not significant. Out of all 480 patients, 10 patients (2.08%) reported urinary tract infection (UTI), and five (1.04%) reported genital mycotic infection. All the five patients were females and treatment for UTI and mycotic infection was provided as required. Rest of the patients tolerated the therapy well.

CONCLUSION

Overall observations indicate that all the four SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in reducing HbA1c, FBS, PPBS, body weight SBP, and DBP. Therefore, gliflozins can be the best choice to start early in patients with inadequately controlled T2DM receiving triple-drug therapy which helps in controlling the parameters of glycemia and significantly reducing the body weight. Hence SGLT2 Inhibitors could be considered as an add-on to all antidiabetic agents currently used for the management of diabetes in Indian setting.

Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with canagliflozin in patients with peripheral arterial disease: Data from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trial

AIM

To define the proportional and absolute benefits of the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We pooled individual participant data from the CANVAS Program (n = 10 142) and CREDENCE trial (n = 4401). In this post hoc analysis, the main outcomes of interest were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death), kidney outcomes, and extended major adverse limb events (MALE). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess canagliflozin treatment effects in those with and without PAD. Absolute risk reductions per 1000 patients treated for 2.5 years were estimated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Of 14 543 participants, 3159 (21.7%) had PAD at baseline. In patients with PAD, canagliflozin reduced MACE (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.92), with similar relative benefits for other cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in participants with or without PAD at baseline (all P_interaction  > .268). There was no increase in the relative risk of extended MALE with canagliflozin, irrespective of baseline PAD history (P_interaction  > .864). The absolute benefits of canagliflozin were greater in those with PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2D and PAD derived similar relative cardiorenal benefits from canagliflozin treatment but higher absolute benefits compared with those without PAD, with no increase in extended MALE.

Metformin versus SGLT-2 inhibitors: how low can we go?

The progression of chronic kidney disease is difficult to stop once established. Metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors show promise, but clinical trials with a head-to-head comparison in patients with more advanced (stage 3b-4) chronic kidney disease are largely lacking, partly for safety reasons. In this issue, Corremans et al. compare the effects of metformin and canagliflozin in rats with adenine-induced moderate (stage 2-4) chronic kidney disease. Metformin halted progression, whereas canagliflozin did not. This commentary puts the results in a wider clinical context.

The efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in the treatment of patients with early diabetic nephropathy

This study aimed to observe the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in the treatment of patients with early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and investigate its effect in reducing urinary protein levels. A total of 132 patients with DN and normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min/1.73 m²) combined with urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) no less than 30 mg/g were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 66 cases in each group. Irbesartan treatment was administered to the control group based on conventional treatment, while a combination of canagliflozin and irbesartan was given to the observation group based on conventional treatment. The changes in blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, renal function, and urinary protein were observed in both groups. Compared with the control group, patients in the observation group showed a significant decrease in blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, and urinary protein starting at week 4 of treatment and continuing until the end of the experiment at week 24 (all P<0.05). Within the observation group, blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, and urinary protein decreased significantly with 24 weeks of treatment compared with those before the experiment (P<0.01). Patients in the observation group experienced a mild decrease in renal function at week 4, but the function began to gradually recover by week 8 and had returned to the baseline by the end of the study (P<0.05). In conclusion: canagliflozin has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of early DN. It also lowers urinary protein levels and blood glucose.

Real-World Safety and Effectiveness of Canagliflozin Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Japan: SAPPHIRE, a Long-Term, Large-Scale Post-Marketing Surveillance

INTRODUCTION

This long-term post-marketing surveillance (SAPPHIRE) collected information on the safety and effectiveness of canagliflozin (approved dose 100 mg) prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in real-world practice in Japan.

METHODS

Patients with T2DM who were prescribed canagliflozin between December 2014 and September 2016 were registered and observed for up to 3 years. Safety was evaluated in terms of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Effectiveness was assessed in terms of glycaemic control. Data were also analysed across age subgroups (< 65, ≥ 65 to < 75, and ≥ 75 years old) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories for chronic kidney disease (G1-G5 based on eGFR) at baseline.

RESULTS

A total of 12,227 patients were included in the safety analyses and 11,675 in effectiveness analyses. Overall, 7104 patients were treated with canagliflozin for ≥ 3 years. The mean age, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and eGFR at baseline were 58.4 ± 12.5 years, 8.01 ± 1.49%, and 80.04 ± 21.85 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively. There were 1836 ADRs in 1312 patients (10.73%) and 268 serious ADRs in 225 patients (1.84%). The most common ADRs were those related to volume depletion (1.39%), genital infection (1.34%), polyuria/pollakiuria (1.23%), and urinary tract infection (1.19%). The frequencies of ADRs tended to increase with age and stage of chronic kidney disease. The reductions in mean HbA1c after starting canagliflozin were maintained for up to 3 years with a mean change of - 0.68% (n = 6345 at 3 years). Maintained reductions in mean HbA1c were observed in each age subgroup and in patients with G1-G3b renal function.

CONCLUSION

This surveillance in real-world clinical practice showed that canagliflozin provides sustained glucose-lowering effects in patients with T2DM, including elderly patients and patients with moderate renal impairment, without new safety concerns beyond those already described in the Japanese package insert.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

JapicCTI-153048.

Effect of Canagliflozin Compared With Sitagliptin on Serum Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the CANA-HF Study

ABSTRACT

The sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have demonstrated favorable effects on cardiovascular and renal disease; however, they may also increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). There are limited data directly comparing the effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2inhibitors on serum lipids to other antihyperglycemic therapies. In this post-hoc analysis of the CANA-HF trial, we sought to compare the effects of canagliflozin to sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The CANA-HF trial was a prospective, randomized controlled study that compared the effects of canagliflozin 100 mg daily to sitagliptin 100 mg daily on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with HFrEF and T2DM. Of the 36 patients enrolled in CANA-HF, 35 patients had both baseline and 12-weeks serum lipids obtained via venipuncture. The change in LDL-C from baseline to 12 weeks was 5 (-12.5 to 19.5) mg/dL versus -8 (-19 to -1) mg/dL (P = 0.82) and triglyceride levels was -4 (-26 to 9) mg/dL and -10.5 (-50 to 29.3) mg/dL (P = 0.52) for canagliflozin and sitagliptin, respectively. No significant differences were found between canagliflozin and sitagliptin for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or non-HDL-C (P > 0.5 for all). These data suggest that compared with sitagliptin, canagliflozin may not increase LDL-C in patients with T2DM and HFrEF.

Effects of canagliflozin on cardiovascular, renal, and safety outcomes in participants with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease according to history of heart failure: Results from the CREDENCE trial

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy according to prior history of heart failure in the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial. We found that participants with a prior history of heart failure at baseline (15%) were more likely to be older, female, white, have a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and use diuretics and beta blockers (all P < .001), and that, compared with placebo, canagliflozin safely reduced renal and cardiovascular events with consistent effects in patients with and without a prior history of heart failure (all efficacy P interaction >.150). These results support the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy regardless of prior history of heart failure.

Comparison of the risk of SGLT2is and NonSGLT2is in leading to amputation: A network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Whether sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) increase the risk of amputation or not remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the relative risk of different SGLT2is and Non-SGLT2i antihyperglycemic drugs (NonSGLT2is) in leading to amputation by network meta-analysis of large sample studies.

METHODS

We searched Embase and PubMed for relevant large sample studies. We conducted Bayesian network meta-analysis using random-effects model. Effect size was presented as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Seventeen large studies involving 1 million SGLT2i users and 3 million NonSGLT2i users were included in network meta-analysis. SGLT2is [HR (95% CI): 1.38 (1.02, 1.91)] versus NonSGLT2is significantly increased the amputation risk, whereas SGLT2is [HR (95% CI): 1.45 (0.94, 2.17)] versus placebo did not. Compared with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), canagliflozin [HR (95% CI): 1.5 (1.01, 2.33)] along with incorporative SGLT2is [HR (95% CI): 1.64 (1.07, 2.53)] significantly increased the amputation risk, whereas empagliflozin [HR (95% CI): 1.46 (0.83, 2.67)] and dapagliflozin [HR (95% CI): 1.22 (0.7, 2.23)] did not due to the wide 95% CIs of HRs.

CONCLUSION

Although SGLT2is versus placebo do not significantly increase the amputation risk, SGLT2is (especially, canagliflozin) versus NonSGLT2is (especially, GLP1RAs) significantly increase that risk.

Real world study of short term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of canagliflozin 100 mg initiation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients during hot humid Indian summer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To assess short term (3 months) efficacy, safety, and tolerability of canagliflozin 100 mg among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiated during hot humid Indian summer.

METHODS

A prospective, observational, multi-center study of 300 T2DM patients with inadequate glycemic control (i.e., HbA1c of ≥6.5%) with or without other antihyperglycemic agents (AHA) were enrolled in the study in the month of March. The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy that is changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-prandial plasma glucose (PPG), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and safety of canagliflozin with regards to genitourinary infection, fall, diabetic keto acidosis (DKA) episodes, blood ketone and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels. All patients were initiated on canagliflozin 100 mg once daily for 12 weeks, irrespective of background medications.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, a significant reduction was observed in all the glycemic parameters,BMI, BP, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, a nonsignificant reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was observed at 12 weeks. A total of 9 adverse events were reported including 2 episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI) and 4 episodes of genital infection. The blood ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were found to be within normal limits and no episode of DKA was reported at 12 weeks. None of our patients had reported any volume depletion related adverse events viz. postural hypotension, giddiness etc. CONCLUSION: Canagliflozin 100 mg can be safely initiated in type 2 diabetes patients during hot humid Indian summer, irrespective of background medications and is effective and well tolerated.

Canagliflozin: A New Therapeutic Option in Patients That Present Postprandial Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most common surgical procedure for morbid obesity. However, it can present serious late complications, like postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH). Recent data suggested an increase in intestinal SGLT-1 after RYGB. However, there is no data on the inhibition of SGLT-1 to prevent PHH in patients with prior RYBG. On this basis, we aimed to evaluate (a) the effect of canagliflozin 300 mg on the response to 100 g glucose overload (oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]); (b) the pancreatic response after intra-arterial calcium stimulation in the context of PHH after RYGB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective pilot study including patients (n = 21) with PHH after RYGB, matched by age and gender with healthy controls (n = 5). Basal OGTT and after 2 weeks of daily 300 mg of canagliflozin was performed in all cases. In addition, venous sampling after intra-arterial calcium stimulation of the pancreas was performed in 10 cases.

RESULTS

OGTT after canagliflozin showed a significant reduction of plasma glucose levels (minute 30: 161.5 ± 36.22 vs. 215.9 ± 58.11 mg/dL; minute 60: 187.46 ± 65.88 vs. 225.9 ± 85.60 mg/dL, p < 0.01) and insulinemia (minute 30: 95.6 ± 27.31 vs. 216.35 ± 94.86 mg/dL, p = 0.03; minute 60: 120.85 ± 94.86 vs. 342.64 ± 113.32 mIU/L, p < 0.001). At minute 180, a significant reduction (85.7%) of the rate of hypoglycemia was observed after treatment with canagliflozin (p < 0.00001). All cases presented normal pancreatic response after intra-arterial calcium administration.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin (300 mg) significantly decreased glucose absorption and prevented PHH after 100 g OGTT in patients with RYGB. Our results suggest that canagliflozin could be a new therapeutic option for patients that present PHH after RYGB.

Risk of amputation with canagliflozin across categories of age and cardiovascular risk in three US nationwide databases: cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the rate of lower limb amputation among adults newly prescribed canagliflozin according to age and cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

Population based, new user, cohort study.

DATA SOURCES

Two commercial and Medicare claims databases, 2013-17.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients newly prescribed canagliflozin were propensity score matched 1:1 with patients newly prescribed a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Hazard ratios and rate differences per 1000 person years were computed for the rate of lower limb amputation in the following four groups: group 1, patients aged less than 65 years without baseline cardiovascular disease; group 2, patients aged less than 65 with baseline cardiovascular disease; group 3, patients aged 65 or older without baseline cardiovascular disease; group 4, patients aged 65 or older with baseline cardiovascular disease. Within each group, pooled hazard ratio and rate difference per 1000 person years were calculated by meta-analysis.

INTERVENTION

Canagliflozin versus a GLP-1 agonist.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lower limb amputation requiring surgery.

RESULTS

Across the three databases, 310 840 propensity score matched adults who started canagliflozin or a GLP-1 agonist were identified. The hazard ratio and rate difference per 1000 person years for amputation in adults receiving canagliflozin compared with a GLP-1 agonist for each group was: group 1, hazard ratio 1.09 (95% confidence interval 0.83 to 1.43), rate difference 0.12 (-0.31 to 0.55); group 2, hazard ratio 1.18 (0.86 to 1.62), rate difference 1.06 (-1.77 to 3.89); group 3, hazard ratio 1.30 (0.52 to 3.26), rate difference 0.47 (-0.73 to 1.67); and group 4, hazard ratio 1.73 (1.30 to 2.29), rate difference 3.66 (1.74 to 5.59).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in rate of amputation with canagliflozin was small and most apparent on an absolute scale for adults aged 65 or older with baseline cardiovascular disease, resulting in a number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome of 556 patients at six months (that is, 18 more amputations per 10 000 people who received canagliflozin). These results help to contextualize the risk of amputation with canagliflozin in routine care.

Acute pancreatitis risk in type 2 diabetes patients treated with canagliflozin versus other antihyperglycemic agents: an observational claims database study

Objective: Observational evidence suggests that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk for acute pancreatitis (AP) versus those without T2DM. A small number of AP events were reported in clinical trials of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin, though no imbalances were observed between treatment groups. This observational study evaluated risk of AP among new users of canagliflozin compared with new users of six classes of other antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs).Methods: Three US claims databases were analyzed based on a prespecified protocol approved by the European Medicines Agency. Propensity score adjustment controlled for imbalances in baseline covariates. Cox regression models estimated the hazard ratio of AP with canagliflozin compared with other AHAs using on-treatment (primary) and intent-to-treat approaches. Sensitivity analyses assessed robustness of findings.Results: Across the three databases, there were between 12,023-80,986 new users of canagliflozin; the unadjusted incidence rates of AP (per 1000 person-years) were between 1.5-2.2 for canagliflozin and 1.1-6.6 for other AHAs. The risk of AP was generally similar for new users of canagliflozin compared with new users of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, insulin, and other AHAs, with no consistent between-treatment differences observed across databases. Intent-to-treat and sensitivity analysis findings were qualitatively consistent with on-treatment findings.Conclusions: In this large observational study, incidence rates of AP in patients with T2DM treated with canagliflozin or other AHAs were generally similar, with no evidence suggesting that canagliflozin is associated with increased risk of AP compared with other AHAs.

Clinical outcomes with canagliflozin according to baseline body mass index: results from post hoc analyses of the CANVAS Program

AIMS

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce several cardiovascular risk factors, including plasma glucose, blood pressure, albuminuria and body weight. Long-term treatment lowers risks of cardiovascular and renal events. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to determine the effects of canagliflozin treatment versus placebo on clinical outcomes in relation to body mass index (BMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CANVAS Program randomized 10 142 participants with type 2 diabetes to canagliflozin or placebo. These analyses tested the consistency of canagliflozin treatment effects across BMI levels for cardiovascular, renal, safety and body weight outcomes in three groups defined by baseline BMI: <25, 25-<30 and ≥30 kg/m² .

RESULTS

In total, 10 128 participants with baseline BMI measurements were included. There were 966 participants with BMI <25 kg/m² , 3153 with BMI 25-<30 kg/m² and 6009 with BMI ≥30 kg/m² . Mean percent body weight reduction with canagliflozin compared with placebo was greater at 12 months [-2.77%  (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.95, -2.59)] than at 3 months [-1.72%  (95% CI: -1.83, -1.62)]. The hazard ratios (HRs) for canagliflozin compared with placebo control for the composite outcome of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke were 1.03 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.59) in participants with BMI <25 kg/m² , 0.97 (0.76, 1.23) with BMI 25-<30 kg/m² and 0.79 (0.67, 0.93) with BMI ≥30 kg/m² (P for heterogeneity = 0.55). The effects of canagliflozin on each component of the composite were also similar across BMI subgroups, as were effects on heart failure and renal outcomes (P for heterogeneity ≥0.19). The effects on safety outcomes were also broadly similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Canagliflozin improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes consistently across patients with a broad range of BMI levels.

Effects of once-weekly semaglutide vs once-daily canagliflozin on body composition in type 2 diabetes: a substudy of the SUSTAIN 8 randomised controlled clinical trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Intra-abdominal or visceral obesity is associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the effects of semaglutide 1.0 mg and canagliflozin 300 mg on body composition in a subset of participants from the SUSTAIN 8 Phase IIIB, randomised double-blind trial who underwent whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning.

METHODS

Adults (age ≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes, HbA_1c 53-91 mmol/mol (7.0-10.5%), on a stable daily dose of metformin (≥1500 mg or maximum tolerated dose) and with an eGFR ≥60 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2 were randomised 1:1 to semaglutide 1.0 mg once weekly and canagliflozin placebo once daily, or canagliflozin 300 mg once daily and semaglutide placebo once weekly. Body composition was assessed using whole-body DXA scans. The study participants and investigator remained blinded throughout the trial, and quality of DXA scans was evaluated in a blinded manner. Change from baseline to week 52 in total fat mass (kg) was the confirmatory efficacy endpoint.

RESULTS

A subset of 178 participants (semaglutide, n = 88; canagliflozin, n = 90) underwent DXA scanning at screening and were randomised into the substudy. Of these, 114 (semaglutide, n = 53; canagliflozin, n = 61) participants had observed end-of-treatment data included in the confirmatory efficacy analysis. Of the 178 participants in the substudy, numerical improvements in body composition (including fat mass, lean mass and visceral fat mass) were observed after 52 weeks with both treatments. Total fat mass (baseline 33.2 kg) was reduced by 3.4 kg and 2.6 kg with semaglutide and canagliflozin, respectively (estimated treatment difference: -0.79 [95% CI -2.10, 0.51]). Although total lean mass (baseline 51.3 kg) was also reduced by 2.3 kg and 1.5 kg with semaglutide and canagliflozin, respectively (estimated treatment difference: -0.78 [-1.61, 0.04]), the proportion of lean mass (baseline 59.4%) increased by 1.2%- and 1.1%-point, respectively (estimated treatment difference 0.14 [-0.89, 1.17]). Changes in visceral fat mass and overall changes in body composition (assessed by the fat to lean mass ratio) were comparable between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes on stable-dose metformin therapy, the changes in body composition with semaglutide and canagliflozin were not significantly different. Although numerical improvements in body composition were observed following treatment in both treatment arms, the specific impact of both treatments on body composition in the absence of a placebo arm is speculative at this stage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03136484.

FUNDING

This trial was supported by Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rongliflozin, a novel selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2, in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of rongliflozin in a cohort of healthy Chinese people and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the effects of a single ascending dose (SAD) of rongliflozin (10-200 mg) in combination with food (20 mg) in 50 healthy people, and a multiple ascending dose (MAD) of rongliflozin (10-50 mg once daily for 12 days) in 36 people with T2DM.

RESULTS

No serious adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations as a result of AEs (related to rongliflozin) occurred in either study. In healthy participants and those with T2DM, rongliflozin was rapidly absorbed, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of 0.63 to 1.75 hours. Systemic exposure (maximum observed serum concentration and area under the curve) to rongliflozin and its inactive major metabolites (T1444, T1454 and T1830) increased in proportion to dose. In the SAD and MAD studies, there was a dose-related increase in urinary glucose excretion (UGE) ranging from 10 to 50 mg rongliflozin. This increase in UGE was associated with dose-related decreases in serum glucose values in people with T2DM in the MAD group. In the SAD group, UGE plateaued at 50 to 200 mg.

CONCLUSIONS

Rongliflozin was well tolerated in all participants. The PK and PD measurements obtained for rongliflozin demonstrate a dose-response relationship when the drug is administered at doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg in healthy people and in people with T2DM.

Impact of SGLT Inhibitors on Multiple Organ Defects in Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes leads to multiple organ defects and cellular dysfunctions such as increased expression of sodium-glucose like transporters (SGLTs). These transporters contribute to glucose homeostasis through glucose reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule. When inhibited, it results in reduced hyperglycemia, increased glucosuria and decreased HbA1c.

AIMS

This review article summarizes the positive and adverse effects of the three main SGLT inhibitors used in Europe, on different organs with the aim of providing useful information to clinicians in order to select the adapted SGLT inhibitor in regard to patient health problems.

DISCUSSION

Recently, SGLT pharmacological inhibitors have been developed to manage hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. SGLT inhibitors like canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 for use in Europe. Beyond their impact on glucose re-uptake by the kidney, these inhibitors exert beneficial pleiotropic effects. Nevertheless, several studies have recently warned the scientific community regarding adverse effects of these agents. Therefore, clinicians should consider these effects to adapt the treatment regarding patients' health.

CONCLUSION

The use of SGLT inhibitor in the treatment of type 2 diabetes should be considered with the perspective of general health state of the patient. In fact, SGLT inhibitors promote pleiotropic effects, among which some are beneficial for certain organs while some are deleterious.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus daily canagliflozin as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 8): a double-blind, phase 3b, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Existing guidelines for management of type 2 diabetes recommend a patient-centred approach to guide the choice of pharmacological agents. Although glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are increasingly used as second-line agents, direct comparisons between these treatments are insufficient. In the SUSTAIN 8 trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) with canagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a double-blind, parallel-group, phase 3b, randomised controlled trial done at 111 centres in 11 countries. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old and had uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA_1c 7·0-10·5% [53-91 mmol/mol]) on stable daily metformin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by use of an interactive web response system to subcutaneous semaglutide 1·0 mg once weekly or oral canagliflozin 300 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA_1c, and the confirmatory secondary endpoint was change from baseline in bodyweight, both at week 52. The primary analysis population included all randomly assigned patients, using on-treatment data collected before initiation of rescue medication. The safety analysis was done on a population that included all patients exposed to at least one dose of trial product. The trial was powered for HbA_1c and bodyweight superiority under reasonable assumptions. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03136484.

FINDINGS

Between March 15, 2017, and Nov 16, 2018, 788 patients were randomly assigned to semaglutide 1·0 mg (394 patients) or canagliflozin 300 mg (394 patients). 739 patients completed the trial (367 in the semaglutide group and 372 in the canagliflozin group). From overall baseline mean, patients receiving semaglutide had significantly greater reductions in HbA_1c and bodyweight than those receiving canagliflozin (HbA_1c estimated treatment difference [ETD] -0·49 percentage points, 95% CI -0·65 to -0·33; -5·34 mmol/mol, 95% CI -7·10 to -3·57; p<0·0001; and bodyweight ETD -1·06 kg, 95% CI -1·76 to -0·36; p=0·0029). Gastrointestinal disorders, most commonly nausea, were the most frequently reported adverse events with semaglutide, occurring in 184 (47%) of 392 patients; whereas infections and infestations (defined using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 21.0), most commonly urinary tract infections, occurred more frequently with canagliflozin, in 136 (35%) of 394 patients. Premature treatment discontinuation because of adverse events occurred in 38 (10%) of 392 patients with semaglutide and in 20 (5%) of 394 patients with canagliflozin. One fatal adverse event confirmed unlikely to be caused by treatment occurred in the semaglutide group.

INTERPRETATION

Once-weekly semaglutide 1·0 mg was superior to daily canagliflozin 300 mg in reducing HbA_1c and bodyweight in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on metformin therapy. These outcomes might guide treatment intensification choices.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

Canagliflozin and fracture risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes: results from the CANVAS Program

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

An increased risk of fracture with canagliflozin vs placebo was reported from the CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) Program, with heterogeneity of findings identified between the two trials that comprise the CANVAS Program, CANVAS and CANVAS-R. The objective of these analyses was to identify reasons for the possibly different effects on fracture observed between CANVAS and CANVAS-R.

METHODS

This study was an analysis of two highly similar trials, CANVAS and CANVAS-R, conducted in 10,142 individuals with type 2 diabetes and history or high risk of cardiovascular disease who received canagliflozin (pooled 100/300 mg once daily) or placebo. Outcomes assessed in this analysis were effects on adjudicated fractures overall and by type, location, association with a fall, dose and follow-up time.

RESULTS

A total of 496 participants recorded ≥1 fracture event during follow-up (15.40 vs 11.93 per 1000 patient-years with canagliflozin vs placebo; HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.04, 1.52]). There was significant heterogeneity in the effects on fracture (p = 0.005) between CANVAS (n = 4330: HR 1.55 [95% CI 1.21, 1.97]) and CANVAS-R (n = 5812: HR 0.86 [95% CI 0.62, 1.19]). The between-study heterogeneity in fracture risk was not clearly explained by differences in baseline characteristics, interactions of randomised treatment with participant characteristics, dose effects, duration of follow-up, metabolic effects, adverse events related to falls or adverse events possibly causing falls.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

There was no evidence to explain clearly the fracture risk observed in the CANVAS Program or the heterogeneity in fracture risk between the two studies. The recently reported null result for fracture in the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial suggests that the observed association in CANVAS is likely to be a chance finding, although an unidentified fall-related mechanism remains a possibility.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01032629, NCT01989754.

Generalizability of Cardiovascular Safety Trials on SGLT2 Inhibitors to the Real World: Implications for Clinical Practice

INTRODUCTION

Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on the evaluation of novel agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a number of cardiovascular outcomes safety trials (CVOTs) on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been conducted. These trials show similarities in study design and definition of primary endpoints, but differ in their eligibility criteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the generalizability of CVOTs on SGLT2i to Italian adults with T2DM; we estimated the proportions of this patient population who would be eligible for enrollment in EMPA-REG OUTCOME (empagliflozin), CANVAS (canagliflozin), DECLARE-TIMI 58 (dapagliflozin), and VERTIS-CV (ertugliflozin) studies.

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 222 Italian diabetes clinics. Data on 455,662 adult patients with T2DM seen during 2016 were analyzed against the published patient eligibility criteria for the four CVOTs. The current use of SGLT2i in potentially eligible patients was assessed.

RESULTS

Among the population identified, the proportion of patients meeting major eligibility criteria was 11.7% for EMPA-REG OUTCOME, 29.4% for CANVAS, 55.9% for DECLARE-TIMI 58, and 12.8% for VERTIS-CV. Of the patients eligible for these CVOTs, only a minority (range 4.4-6.8%) was actually prescribed an SGLT2i. Compared with patients in the CVOTs, eligible patients in the real world showed older age and longer diabetes duration, lower BMI and HbA1c levels, lower prevalence of established cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, and higher rates of microvascular complications and peripheral arterial disease.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of patients potentially eligible for treatment with SGLT2i varies as a reflection of different eligibility criteria applied in the trials. A large number of patients that could benefit from SGLT2i in terms of not only cardiovascular protection but also renal protection do not receive the treatment.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes With Canagliflozin According to Baseline Kidney Function

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Canagliflozin is approved for glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes and confers cardiovascular and renal benefits. We sought to assess whether it had benefits in people with chronic kidney disease, including those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m² in whom the drug is not currently approved for use.

Methods:

The CANVAS Program randomized 10 142 participants with type 2 diabetes and eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m² to canagliflozin or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, with other cardiovascular, renal, and safety outcomes. This secondary analysis describes outcomes in participants with and without chronic kidney disease, defined as eGFR <60 and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², and according to baseline kidney function (eGFR <45, 45 to <60, 60 to <90, and ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Results:

At baseline, 2039 (20.1%) participants had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m², 71.6% of whom had a history of cardiovascular disease. The effect of canagliflozin on the primary outcome was similar in people with chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55–0.90) and those with preserved kidney function (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79–1.07; P heterogeneity = 0.08). Relative effects on most cardiovascular and renal outcomes were similar across eGFR subgroups, with possible heterogeneity suggested only for the outcome of fatal/nonfatal stroke (P heterogeneity = 0.01), as were results for almost all safety outcomes.

Conclusions:

The effects of canagliflozin on cardiovascular and renal outcomes were not modified by baseline level of kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes and a history or high risk of cardiovascular disease down to eGFR levels of 30 mL/min/1.73 m². Reassessing current limitations on the use of canagliflozin in chronic kidney disease may allow additional individuals to benefit from this therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01032629, NCT01989754.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use and risk of amputation: an expert panel overview of the evidence

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are oral antidiabetic agents that exert their glucose-lowering effect by increasing renal excretion of glucose. These drugs have been reported to beneficially affect cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes. However, concerns have recently been raised in relation to increased risk of lower-extremities amputation with canagliflozin and it remains unclear whether and to what extent this side effect could also occur with other SGLT2i. The present expert panel overview focuses on the three SGLT2i available and widely used in the US and Europe, i.e. empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin and only refers briefly to other SGLT2i for which less data are available. The results of large CV outcome trials with these SGLT2i are presented, focusing specifically on the data in relation to amputation risk. The potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this side effect are discussed. Furthermore, available data reporting amputation cases in SGLT2i users are critically reviewed. The expert panel concludes that, based on current data, increased amputation risk seems to be related only to canagliflozin, thus representing a drug-effect rather than a SGLT2i class-effect. The exact pathways underlying this drug-induced adverse event, possibly related to off-target drug effects rather than SGLT2 inhibition per se, should be elucidated in future studies. Continuous monitoring and pharmacovigilance is necessary and head to head trials would also be essential to provide definitive conclusions.

Canagliflozin and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m² of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin-angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m²), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically.

RESULTS

The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P = 0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P = 0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P = 0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years. (Funded by Janssen Research and Development; CREDENCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02065791.).

CANadian CAnagliflozin REgistry: Effectiveness and safety of canagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Canadian clinical practice

AIM

There is limited information concerning the effects of canagliflozin (CANA), a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in a real-world clinical setting in Canada. CanCARE is a 12-month, prospective, observational analysis to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of CANA in usual clinical practice in Canada.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SGLT2i-naïve adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 527) on a stable antihyperglycemic agent (AHA) regimen with glycated hemoglobin (A1C) ≥ 7%, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2 , were initiated on CANA as part of their usual treatment approach, and were followed for a period of 12 months. The primary effectiveness objective was the mean change in HbA1c from baseline to 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Significant improvement from baseline in mean HbA1c levels were observed at 6 months (-0.90%; 95% CI, -1.02, -0.78) and at 12 months (-1.04%; 95% CI, -1.15, -0.92), regardless of duration of diabetes or background AHA treatment regimen. Similarly, significant decreases in systolic blood pressure (-4.65 mm Hg); body weight (-3.24 kg), waist circumference (-2.91 cm) and body mass index (-1.15 kg/m2 ) were observed at 12 months. Additionally, 40.5% of patients achieved the double endpoint (≥0.5% HbA1c reduction and ≥ 3% weight loss), while 24.3% of patients achieved the triple composite endpoint (≥0.5% HbA1c reduction, ≥3% weight loss and ≥ 4 mm Hg systolic blood pressure reduction). No unexpected adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

CANA provided sustained clinically meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic parameters in this study in a real-world setting, confirming findings from randomized controlled trials.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in an Italian Cohort of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

SGLT-2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitors are a novel class of oral hypoglycemic agents for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Herein, we aimed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in a Southern Italy population of subjects affected by T2DM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

408 diabetic patients treated with one of the three SGLT-2 inhibitors currently available in Italy (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin), either alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, were retrospectively assessed at baseline, during, and after 18 months of continuous therapy.

RESULTS

Treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors resulted in a median decrease in HbA1c of 0.9%, with a percentage of decrement of 12 in relation to the baseline value, followed by a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in fasting plasma glucose. Variations in HbA1c occurred independently of the baseline clinical or biochemical characteristics. In addition, treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors reduced body weight (P < 0.008) and decreased diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.004). With regard to safety outcomes, 66 patients out of 91 stopped SGLT-2 inhibitors during follow-up because of chronic or recurring genital infections, while the rest experienced other adverse events, such as urinary tract infections, polyuria, nausea, hypotension, dizziness, acute coronary event, worsening of glycemic control status, and rapid deterioration of renal function.

CONCLUSION

In our patients' population, the glycometabolic effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors were durable and comparable to those observed in multicenter randomized controlled trials. This notwithstanding safety concerns must be raised regarding the frequent occurrence of genitourinary infections and the risk of a rapid decline of renal function in patients with evidence of volume depletion and/or receiving other medications which can adversely affect kidney function.

Clinical potential of canagliflozin in cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as the leading diabetes-associated health care cost. The prevalence and associated impact of cardiovascular disease among those with diabetes engenders the need to identify cardiovascular effects of antihyperglycemic agents. This review seeks to evaluate the impact of canagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. The 14 published trials to-date exploring various cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes among patients receiving canagliflozin were identified and included within the review. Overall these studies demonstrate that among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, canagliflozin results in decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower body weight, and also exhibits renoprotective effects. These findings were similar when canagliflozin was compared to placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents and explored among subsets such as those with chronic kidney disease. In addition, findings from the three trials exploring cardiovascular outcomes of canagliflozin included reduction in cardiovascular mortality and lower incidence of heart failure-associated hospitalizations. Results from studies including other SGLT2 inhibitors suggest that cardiovascular benefits are likely a class-effect found among current SGLT2 inhibitors. Continued research specific to canagliflozin is needed to clarify risks of adverse effects and determine optimal dosing requirements for canagliflozin in regard to cardiovascular risk reduction.

Risk of amputations associated with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to DPP-4 inhibitors: A propensity-matched cohort study

AIM

To determine the risk of amputations associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) relative to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an active comparator, new user cohort study using data from the Truven Health MarketScan (2009-2015) databases. Patients aged ≥18 years newly initiating SGLT2i or DPP4i between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015 were included. Patients were matched 1:1 on high dimensional propensity scores and followed until the earliest of any amputation, treatment discontinuation, disenrollment or end of study period (December 31, 2015). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and robust 95% confidence intervals (CI) for amputation risk.

RESULTS

There were 30 216 comparable patients in each arm after matching. Over a median follow-up of 0.6 years, there were 60 amputations (SGLT2i: 36; DPP4i: 24), most at the level of partial foot (75%) and associated with diabetes-related vascular disease (66.7%). The incidence of amputations was higher among SGLT2i patients (1.62 vs. 1.15 per 1000 person-years) with a HR of 1.38 (CI: 0.83-2.31). In subgroup analyses, risk differed by type of SGLT2i: canagliflozin, HR 1.15 (CI: 0.63-2.09); dapagliflozin or empagliflozin, HR 2.25 (CI: 0.78-6.47).

CONCLUSION

All SGLT2i had an elevated, though not statistically significant, risk for amputations.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and risk of serious adverse events: nationwide register based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between the use of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and seven serious adverse events of current concern.

DESIGN

Register based cohort study.

SETTING

Sweden and Denmark from July 2013 to December 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

A propensity score matched cohort of 17 213 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, 61%; empagliflozin, 38%; canagliflozin, 1%) and 17 213 new users of the active comparator, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were lower limb amputation, bone fracture, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, serious urinary tract infection, venous thromboembolism, and acute pancreatitis, as identified from hospital records. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Use of SGLT2 inhibitors, as compared with GLP1 receptor agonists, was associated with an increased risk of lower limb amputation (incidence rate 2.7 v 1.1 events per 1000 person years, hazard ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to 3.91) and diabetic ketoacidosis (1.3 v 0.6, 2.14, 1.01 to 4.52) but not with bone fracture (15.4 v 13.9, 1.11, 0.93 to 1.33), acute kidney injury (2.3 v 3.2, 0.69, 0.45 to 1.05), serious urinary tract infection (5.4 v 6.0, 0.89, 0.67 to 1.19), venous thromboembolism (4.2 v 4.1, 0.99, 0.71 to 1.38) or acute pancreatitis (1.3 v 1.2, 1.16, 0.64 to 2.12).

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis of nationwide registers from two countries, use of SGLT2 inhibitors, as compared with GLP1 receptor agonists, was associated with an increased risk of lower limb amputation and diabetic ketoacidosis, but not with other serious adverse events of current concern.

Effect of Canagliflozin on Urinary Albumin Excretion in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Microalbuminuria: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Albuminuria characterizes the progression of kidney injury. The effect of canagliflozin on the excretion of microalbumin was assessed for investigating its renoprotective potential in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty Japanese patients with T2DM and microalbuminuria were enrolled and administered with 100 mg of canagliflozin once a day for 12 weeks. These subjects were admitted to the clinic at the start and end of the treatment period for 24-h urine collection. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in geometric mean 24-h urinary albumin excretion from baseline to week 12.

RESULTS

The urinary albumin level decreased by 42.0% (95% confidence interval: 21.9-57.0; P = 0.0011) after 12 weeks of canagliflozin treatment. A number of blood and urinary parameters also significantly decreased, including hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine clearance, while hematocrit was elevated. Among the biomarkers associated with kidney injury and inflammation, the urinary level of the oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was also decreased. There were no meaningful correlations noted between changes in urinary albumin excretion and other parameters/biomarkers. No severe adverse events were reported over the 12-week treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that canagliflozin decreases microalbuminuria in Japanese patients with T2DM. Albuminuria could be reduced as a result of changes in various physiological pathways; therefore, it is imperative that future, large-scale, studies attempt to determine the detailed mechanisms involved. Canagliflozin may offer a novel therapeutic option for Japanese patients with T2DM and incipient nephropathy.

Effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on the kidney

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are antihyperglycaemic medications with an emerging evidence base for cardiovascular and kidney disease risk reduction. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors medications lower plasma glucose by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the kidney independent of insulin. Furthermore, they reduce intraglomerular pressure by restoring tubuloglomerular feedback. Large cardiovascular outcome trials of both empagliflozin and canagliflozin have consistently shown beneficial kidney effects that go beyond glycaemic control, such as reducing risk for incident nephropathy and progression of chronic kidney disease. The mechanisms by which sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improve kidney outcomes are not clear. Proposed hypotheses underpinning the kidney benefits include kidney-specific effects such as decreased intraglomerular pressure, activation of angiotensin-(1-7) and the Mas receptor leading to decreased inflammation, decrease in overall kidney oxygen consumption, rise in erythropoietin levels, inhibition of the renal sodium-hydrogen exchanger and secondary kidney effects related to improvements in HbA_1c and blood pressure. This review will focus on describing the mechanisms of action of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the kidney, clinical efficacy data on their use in patients with chronic kidney disease, postulated physiologic underpinnings of kidney protection observed with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and the promise and potential pitfalls for their use in patients with chronic kidney disease.