Impact of Participant Characteristics on Clinical Outcomes with iGlarLixi in Type 2 Diabetes: Post Hoc Analysis of SPARTA Japan

INTRODUCTION

The real-world SPARTA Japan study confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) once daily over 6 months in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This post hoc analysis examined the impact of participant characteristics on the achievement of age-defined glycaemic targets with iGlarLixi therapy.

METHODS

The retrospective, observational SPARTA Japan study included adults with T2D who initiated iGlarLixi. In this analysis, data from insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced participants were separately assessed to compare glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight and safety outcomes between those who achieved ('achieved' group) and those who did not achieve ('not-achieved' group) age-defined glycaemic targets after 6 months of iGlarLixi. The not-achieved group was further stratified by whether or not their iGlarLixi dose was increased during treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 418 participants were included in this analysis (138 insulin naïve and 280 insulin experienced). Among both insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced participants, those in the achieved group were older and had lower baseline HbA1c than those in the not-achieved group. Compared with the not-achieved group, the achieved group showed significantly greater HbA1c reductions from baseline (in both insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced participants) and significantly greater body weight reductions (in insulin-naïve participants), despite some participants in the not-achieved group receiving significantly higher insulin glargine doses than those in the achieved group. In both insulin-naïve and insulin-experienced participants, the incidence of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal-related adverse events was similar in the achieved and not-achieved groups. In a multivariate analysis, glycaemic target achievement was significantly more likely in older individuals and those who lost weight during iGlarLixi treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Achievement of age-defined glycaemic targets with iGlarLixi treatment for 6 months was significantly affected by increased age and body weight loss, regardless of prior insulin exposure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR Trials Registry, UMIN000044126; registered 10 May 2021.

The effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide on experimental diabetic retinopathy

AIMS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are effective treatments for type 2 diabetes, effectively lowering glucose without weight gain and with low risk for hypoglycemia. However, their influence on the retinal neurovascular unit remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the GLP-1 RA lixisenatide on diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Vasculo- and neuroprotective effects were assessed in experimental diabetic retinopathy and high glucose-cultivated C. elegans, respectively. In STZ-diabetic Wistar rats, acellular capillaries and pericytes (quantitative retinal morphometry), neuroretinal function (mfERG), macroglia (GFAP western blot) and microglia (immunohistochemistry) quantification, methylglyoxal (LC-MS/MS) and retinal gene expressions (RNA-sequencing) were determined. The antioxidant properties of lixisenatide were tested in C. elegans.

RESULTS

Lixisenatide had no effect on glucose metabolism. Lixisenatide preserved the retinal vasculature and neuroretinal function. The macro- and microglial activation was mitigated. Lixisenatide normalized some gene expression changes in diabetic animals to control levels. Ets2 was identified as a regulator of inflammatory genes. In C. elegans, lixisenatide showed the antioxidative property.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that lixisenatide has a protective effect on the diabetic retina, most likely due to a combination of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of lixisenatide on the neurovascular unit.

The Wedding Bells Sound Really Good! iGlarLixi Fixed-Ratio Combination in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

iGlarLixi is a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. iGlarLixi has proven clinical benefits in terms of glycemia, weight control, and safety, defined by the risk of hypoglycemia. It simultaneously targets many pathophysiologic abnormalities which are at the root of type 2 diabetes and thus presents a complementary mode of action. Finally, it may also address diabetes treatment burden, and, by decreasing the complexity of treatment, it may improve patient adherence and persistence and fight against clinical inertia. This article reviews the results of major randomized controlled trials in people with type 2 diabetes that compared iGlarLixi to other therapeutic regimens, representing different intensification strategies, such as basal supported oral therapy, oral antidiabetic drugs, and a combination of the latter with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. Moreover, as a supplement to randomized trials, data from real-world evidence have also been included.

Emerging Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Obesity is a chronic disease with high prevalence and associated comorbidities, making it a growing global concern. These comorbidities include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ventilatory dysfunction, arthrosis, venous and lymphatic circulation diseases, depression, and others, which have a negative impact on health and increase morbidity and mortality. GLP-1 agonists, used to treat type 2 diabetes, have been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes numerous studies conducted on the main drugs in the GLP-1 agonists class, outlining the maximum achievable weight loss. Our aim is to emphasize the active role and main outcomes of GLP-1 agonists in promoting weight loss, as well as in improving hyperglycemia, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, cardio-metabolic, and renal protection. We highlight the pleiotropic effects of these medications, along with their indications, contraindications, and precautions for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, based on long-term follow-up studies.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of iGlarLixi in Healthy Chinese Participants: Results of a Phase 1 Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION

The Chinese Diabetes Society recommends basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as an add-on therapy to first-line oral antihyperglycemic drugs for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/ml (iGlar) and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) is known to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D. However, the pharmacokinetics of iGlarLixi has not been evaluated in Chinese participants. The present study evaluated pharmacokinetics and safety of two iGlarLixi (10 U/10 μg and 30 U/15 μg) doses following single subcutaneous administration in healthy Chinese participants.

METHODS

This was a Phase 1, single-center, open-label, parallel-group, randomized study in healthy Chinese adults who were randomized to receive a single dose of iGlarLixi with either 1:1 (10 U/10 μg) or 2:1 (30 U/15 μg) ratio of iGlar and lixisenatide. Primary objectives include assessment of pharmacokinetics of iGlar in iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg group and the pharmacokinetics of lixisenatide in both the groups (iGlarLixi 10 U/10 μg and iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg). Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

In iGlarLixi 30 U/15 μg group, iGlar concentrations were low and quantifiable in three of ten participants, while its main metabolite (M1) was quantifiable in all participants, reflecting rapid conversion of iGlar to M1. Median INS-t_max was 14.00 h for iGlar and 13.00 h post-dose for M1. Absorption of lixisenatide was similar in both dose groups with median t_max of 3.25 and 2.00 h post-dose in both groups. The exposure increase was dose proportionate with a 1.5-fold increase in the lixisenatide dose. Adverse events observed were consistent with those previously reported with iGlar or lixisenatide.

CONCLUSION

iGlarLixi administration resulted in early absorption of both iGlar and lixisenatide with a good tolerability profile in healthy Chinese participants. These results are consistent with the previously published data from other geographic regions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

U1111-1194-9411.

Effectiveness and Safety of iGlarLixi (Insulin Glargine 100 U/mL Plus Lixisenatide) in Type 2 Diabetes According to the Timing of Daily Administration: Data from the REALI Pooled Analysis

INTRODUCTION

iGlarLixi (insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide) has demonstrated glycaemic efficacy and safety in adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Per the European Medicines Agency's product label, iGlarLixi should be injected once a day within 1 h prior to a meal, preferably the same meal every day when the most convenient meal has been chosen. It is however unknown whether iGlarLixi administration timing affects glycaemic control and safety, as clinical trial evidence is mainly based on pre-breakfast iGlarLixi administration. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi in clinical practice, according to its administration timing.

METHODS

Data were pooled from two prospective observational studies including 1303 European participants with T2DM inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs with or without basal insulin who initiated iGlarLixi therapy for 24 weeks. Participants were classified into four subgroups based on daily timing of iGlarLixi injection: pre-breakfast (N = 436), pre-lunch (N = 262), pre-dinner (N = 399), and those who switched iGlarLixi injection time during the study (N = 206).

RESULTS

No meaningful differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the study groups. Least-squares mean reductions in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24 were substantial in all groups, with the numerically largest decrease observed in the pre-breakfast group (1.57%) compared with the pre-lunch (1.27%), pre-dinner (1.42%), or changed injection time (1.33%) groups. Pre-breakfast iGlarLixi injection also resulted in a numerically greater proportion of participants achieving HbA1c < 7.0% at week 24 (33.7% versus 19.0% for pre-lunch, 25.6% pre-dinner, and 23.2% changed injection time). iGlarLixi was well tolerated across all groups, with low rates of gastrointestinal disorders and hypoglycaemia. Mean body weight decreased similarly in all groups (by 1.3-2.3 kg).

CONCLUSION

iGlarLixi was effective and safe regardless of its daily administration time. However, pre-breakfast iGlarLixi injection resulted in a more effective glycaemic control.

Use of iGlarLixi for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Japanese Clinical Practice: Prior Treatment Subgroup Analysis of the SPARTA Japan Study

INTRODUCTION

iGlarLixi, a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) lixisenatide, is one option for treatment intensification in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are unable to achieve targeted glycaemic control with their current glucose-lowering agent. Real-world data on the impact of prior treatment on the effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi may be useful to guide individualised treatment decisions.

METHODS

This analysis of the 6-month, retrospective, observational SPARTA Japan study compared glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight and safety for pre-specified subgroups defined by prior treatment: post oral antidiabetic agent (OAD), GLP-1 RA, basal insulin (BI) + OADs (BOT), GLP-1 RA + BI or multiple daily injections (MDI). The post BOT and MDI subgroups were further divided on the basis of prior dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) use, and the post MDI group was divided on the basis of whether participants continued bolus insulin.

RESULTS

Of the 432 participants in the full analysis set (FAS), 337 were included in this subgroup analysis. Across subgroups, mean baseline HbA1c ranged from 8.49% to 9.18%. iGlarLixi significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mean HbA1c from baseline in all but the post GLP-1 RA + BI group. At 6 months, these significant reductions ranged from 0.47% to 1.27%. Prior DPP-4i exposure had no impact on the HbA1c-lowering effect of iGlarLixi. Mean body weight decreased significantly in the FAS (0.5 kg) and the post BOT (1.2 kg) and MDI (1.5 and 1.9 kg) subgroups but increased in the post GLP-1 RA subgroup (1.3 kg). iGlarLixi treatment was generally well tolerated, with very few participants discontinuing because of hypoglycaemia or gastrointestinal events.

CONCLUSION

In participants with suboptimal glycaemic control on various regimens, 6 months of iGlarLixi treatment improved HbA1c in all but one prior treatment subgroup (GLP-1 RA + BI), and was generally well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR Trials Registry, UMIN000044126; registered 10 May 2021.

Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Duration on the Efficacy and Safety of Add-on Lixisenatide in Asian Individuals Receiving Basal Insulin: A Pooled Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of add-on lixisenatide by disease duration in Asian people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with basal insulin ± oral antidiabetic drugs.

METHODS

Data for Asian participants in the GetGoal-Duo 1, GetGoal-L, and GetGoal-L-C studies were pooled and categorized by diabetes duration: < 10 years (group 1), 10 to < 15 years (group 2), and ≥ 15 years (group 3). Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide versus placebo were evaluated by subgroup. The potential influence of diabetes duration on efficacy was examined using multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 555 participants were included (mean age 53.9 years, 52.4% male). No significant differences in treatment effect between the duration subgroups were observed for the changes from baseline to 24 weeks in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG), PPG excursion, body weight or body mass index, or the proportion of participants with HbA1c < 7% at 24 weeks (all P values for interaction > 0.1). Change in insulin dosage (U/day) was significantly different between subgroups (P = 0.038). Multivariable regression analysis showed participants in group 1 had a smaller change in body weight and basal insulin dose over the 24-week treatment period than participants in group 3 (P = 0.014 and 0.030, respectively) and were less likely to achieve an HbA1c < 7% than participants in group 2 (P = 0.047). No severe hypoglycemia was reported. A higher proportion of participants in group 3 versus the other groups had symptomatic hypoglycemia, for both lixisenatide and placebo, and T2D duration had a significant effect on hypoglycemia risk (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lixisenatide improved glycemic control in Asian individuals regardless of diabetes duration, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Individuals with longer disease duration had a greater risk of symptomatic hypoglycemia than individuals with shorter disease duration regardless of treatment. No additional safety concerns were observed.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

GetGoal-Duo 1, ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT00975286; GetGoal-L, ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT00715624; GetGoal-L-C, ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT01632163.

Direct comparison two fixed-ratio combination glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist and basal insulin on glycemic and non glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Two types of fixed-ratio combinations of basal insulin and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) have been approved for use in type 2 diabetes. One is insulin degludec/liraglutide (iDergLira), and the other is insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi). Direct comparisons between these two combination is not available.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 186 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with inadequate glycemic control on metformin and basal insulin (degludec, glargine 100, glargine 300) who were switched to fixed-ratio combination GLP-1 RA and basal insulin. Patients were divided into two groups based on the basal insulin before study: group I (n = 86) treated with degludec were switched to iDegLira and patients group II (n = 99), treated with glargine were switched to iGlarLixi. The aim of this study was to directly compare the effects between two fixed - ratio combination on glycemic parameters and non glycemic parameters. Follow up was 6 months.

RESULTS

Mean HbA1c decreased similarly (- 1.2% vs.-1.1%). Higher percentage patients in iDegLira group had reached the HbA1c < 7% after 6 months (22% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.05). The mean change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was comparable for the two groups, while mean decrease postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) level were lower in iGlarLixi group (2 vs 1.8 mmol/l, p > 0.05). Change in body weight was significant in iDegLira group (1.8 kg vs. 0.7 kg, p < 0.001). At the end of the study patients showed decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) for 0.2 mmol/L in iDegLira, 0.1 mmol/l in iGlarLixi, triglycerides decreased 0.3 mmol/l in both groups, high-density lipoprotein(HDL) increased 0.1 mm/l in iGlarLixi.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that more patients with iDegLira had HbA1c less than 7% and these combination had better effect on weight loss. There was no difference observed in FPG and PPG, lipid profile and rate of hypoglycemia.

Use of iGlarLixi for Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Japanese Clinical Practice: SPARTA Japan, a Retrospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Many individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experience suboptimal glycemic control. Treatment intensification options include fixed-ratio combination products containing a basal insulin and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, such as iGlarLixi (insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide). This study aimed to provide real-world evidence of the effect of iGlarLixi in Japanese clinical practice.

METHODS

SPARTA Japan was a non-comparative, observational study conducted at 27 institutions in Japan. Anonymized individual-level data from adults with T2D receiving iGlarLixi in routine clinical practice were retrospectively collected. The primary study objective was to assess the impact of iGlarLixi on the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 months' post-treatment initiation, with preplanned subanalyses to determine the influence of baseline characteristics. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included assessment of the proportion of individuals achieving HbA1c targets, change in body weight, and incidence and severity of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal events.

RESULTS

The full analysis set included 432 individuals, with data available at 6 months for 426. Of the 432 individuals, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 61.6 (12.8) years and the majority had a T2D duration of ≥ 10 years [mean (SD) 13.3 (10.4) years]. At 6 months, HbA1c had significantly decreased versus baseline ( -0.85%; P < 0.0001), with a greater decrease in those aged < 65 years, with a shorter duration of T2D and higher baseline HbA1c. A significant increase in the proportion of participants achieving age-specific HbA1c versus baseline was observed. Mean body weight decreased by 0.5 kg (P = 0.0034 versus baseline). There were few hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal events (in individuals with HbA1c data); no severe hypoglycemic events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this real-world study indicate that iGlarLixi may improve glycemic control without serious adverse events in Japanese individuals with T2D who have suboptimal glycemic control on current treatment regimens and switch to iGlarLixi.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR Trials Registry, UMIN000044126; registered 10 May 2021.

Effectiveness, Safety, and Appropriateness in the Use of the Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide in Type 2 Diabetes: The ENSURE Retrospective Real-World Study

INTRODUCTION

Pivotal trials documented glycemic benefits of fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi), with no weight gain and low hypoglycemia risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed at assessing effectiveness and patterns of use of iGlarLixi in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter, study, based on electronic medical records. All patients initiating iGlarLixi from May 2018 to July 2020 were considered.

RESULTS

Overall, 25 centers provided data on 675 patients initiating iGlarLixi with the following characteristics: age 66.4 ± 10.1 years, 54.2% men, T2D duration 15.5 ± 11.5 years, HbA1c 8.6 ± 1.4%, body mass index (BMI) 30.8 ± 5.3 kg/m², 45.1% already treated with basal insulin, and 21.9% with basal bolus (± oral hypoglycemic agents). Metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors were used in 76.0% and 0.9% of patients, respectively. Combinations of iGlarLixi with other glucose-lowering drugs such as sulfonylureas or short-acting insulin were found in 32.4% of patients. Effectiveness of iGlarLixi (N = 184) showed that HbA1c declined by 0.77% [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.00, -0.54] after 6 months. In combination with metformin and/or SGLT-2i (N = 117), HbA1c declined by -0.92% (95% CI -1.22, -0.62) and weight significantly decreased by 1.21 kg. iGlarLixi dose was suboptimally titrated. Safety data (N = 171) showed incidence rates of blood glucose ≤ 70 and < 54 mg/mL of 0.26 and 0.05 events per person-month during 6 months, respectively, with a risk reduction of about 75% with respect the 6 months before iGlarLixi initiation. No severe hypoglycemia was reported.

CONCLUSION

In adults with T2D, effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi were documented in a real-world setting; appropriateness of use and adequate titration should be urgently improved so that clinical practice outcomes become more comparable to clinical trials results. Further real-world studies on the effect of iGlarLixi therapy are warranted.

Anti-inflammatory effect of glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonist on the neurosensory retina in an acute optic nerve injury rat model

PURPOSE

To explore the possibility of using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) as a new treatment for neuroinflammation, by analyzing retinal pathological changes in an optic nerve crush rat model.

METHODS

Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into lixisenatide (LIX, n = 10), traumatic control (T-CON, n = 10), and normal control (n = 5) groups. The optic nerves of left eyes in the LIX and T-CON groups were crushed in a standardized manner. The LIX group was treated with subcutaneous injections of lixisenatide (200 μg/kg/day) for 5 days. One week after initiating treatment, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed on the retinal tissues of each group to identify inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

The LIX group showed significantly lower mRNA levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) than the T-CON group. Also, the LIX group exhibited decreased TXNIP and GFAP expression compared with the T-CON group, and similar expression to the normal control group, according to Western blot analysis. Significantly increased immunohistochemistry staining of Brn3a and decreased TUNEL staining were seen in the LIX group compared with the T-CON group, indicating that lixisenatide contributes to retinal ganglion cell survival in cases of acute optic nerve injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroinflammation was significantly reduced in lixisenatide-treated retinas compared with untreated retinas in our acute optic nerve injury rat model. The neuroprotective effect of lixisenatide indicates that it can serve a new treatment option against clinically intractable traumatic optic neuropathy.

Acute Administration of the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Lixisenatide Diminishes Postprandial Insulin Secretion in Healthy Subjects But Not in Type 2 Diabetes, Associated with Slowing of Gastric Emptying

INTRODUCTION

It is uncertain whether lixisenatide has postprandial insulinotropic effects when its effect on slowing gastric emptying is considered, in healthy subjects and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We evaluated the effects of single administration of 10 μg sc lixisenatide on glycaemia, insulin secretion and gastric emptying (GE), measured using the 'gold standard' technique of scintigraphy following an oral glucose load (75 g glucose).

METHODS

Fifteen healthy subjects (nine men, six women; age 67.2 ± 2.3 years) and 15 patients with T2DM (nine men, six women; age 61.9 ± 2.3 years) had measurements of GE, plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide for 180 min after a radiolabeled 75 g glucose drink on two separate days. All subjects received lixisenatide (10 μg sc) or placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover fashion 30 min before the drink. Insulin secretory response (ISR) was determined using the C-peptide deconvolution method.

RESULTS

GE was markedly slowed by lixisenatide compared with placebo in both healthy subjects (1.45 ± 0.10 kcal/min for placebo vs. 0.60 ± 0.14 kcal/min for lixisenatide) and diabetes (1.57 ± 0.06 kcal/min for placebo vs. 0.75 ± 0.13 kcal/min for lixisenatide) (both P < 0.001) with no difference between the two groups (P = 0.42). There was a moderate to strong inverse correlation between the early insulin secretory response calculated at 60 min and gastric retention at 60 min with lixisenatide treatment in healthy subjects (r = - 0.8, P = 0.0003) and a trend in type 2 diabetes (r = - 0.4, P = NS), compared with no relationships in the placebo arms (r = - 0.02, P = NS, healthy subjects) and (r = - 0.16, P = NS, type 2 diabetes).

CONCLUSION

The marked slowing of GE of glucose induced by lixisenatide is associated with attenuation in the rise of postprandial glucose in both healthy subjects and diabetes and early insulin secretory response in healthy subjects.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02308254.

The Durable Safety and Effectiveness of Lixisenatide in Japanese People with Type 2 Diabetes: The Post-Marketing Surveillance PRANDIAL Study

Introduction

Real-world evidence on lixisenatide in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is lacking. Therefore, the 3-year post-marketing PRANDIAL study was conducted to evaluate the safety (primary objective) and effectiveness (secondary objective) of lixisenatide in Japanese people with T2D during routine clinical practice.

Methods

This prospective, observational, multicenter, open-label study was conducted in Japanese individuals with T2D who initiated lixisenatide treatment between March 2014 and June 2017. Using electronic case report forms, investigators collected baseline demographic and clinical information and data on medications, safety and effectiveness up to 3 years after initiation of lixisenatide.

Results

Overall, 3046 participants were analyzed; their mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 58.9 ± 13.1 years, and 53.7% were male. Mean ± SD duration of T2D was 12.8 ± 8.6 years, and baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.7% ± 1.7%. Most participants (93.9%) were receiving concomitant antidiabetic medications when they initiated lixisenatide. Median (range) lixisenatide treatment duration was 382 (1–1096) days. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 604 participants (19.8%) and serious ADRs in 22 (0.7%). The most common ADR was nausea (9.0%). Of ADRs of special interest, hypoglycemia occurred in 2.9% of participants, injection site reactions in 0.9%, and hypoglycemic unconsciousness in 0.03%. Baseline characteristics associated with an increased risk of ADRs (p < 0.05) were history of treatment for cardiovascular disease, hepatic dysfunction, and other complications. Effectiveness was analyzed in 2675 participants; HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and body weight all decreased significantly at last observation (all p < 0.0001 vs. baseline).

Conclusions

Lixisenatide was well tolerated, with no unexpected ADRs or new safety signals identified, and showed effective glycemic control and weight reduction up to 3 years, supporting the use of lixisenatide as a safe and effective treatment option for T2D in routine clinical practice in Japan.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02121-5.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are antidiabetic drugs that lower blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing glucagon, the key hormones involved in controlling blood glucose levels in the body. The selective GLP-1RA lixisenatide was approved for the management of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan based on data from randomized clinical trials. However, these studies may not be representative of the safety and effectiveness of the drug when used in routine clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted the 3-year post-marketing PRANDIAL study to assess the safety and effectiveness of lixisenatide in 3046 Japanese individuals with T2D who started the drug between March 2014 and June 2017. Adverse drug reactions (adverse events for which lixisenatide causality could not be excluded) occurred in 19.8% of participants, with the most common adverse drug reaction being nausea. Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood glucose levels) was reported in 2.9%. Individuals with a history of treatment for cardiovascular disease, hepatic dysfunction, and other complications had an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Lixisenatide provided significant improvements in blood glucose control, with significant decreases in glycated hemoglobin (a marker of blood glucose control), fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial glucose levels from baseline, as well as significant reductions in body weight. In this real-world post-marketing surveillance study, lixisenatide was well tolerated, raising no new safety concerns, and provided durable effective blood glucose control and weight reduction. These results support the use of lixisenatide in Japanese individuals with T2D in routine clinical practice.

Kinetic control of Phytic acid/Lixisenatide/Fe (III) ternary nanoparticles assembly process for sustained peptide release

The preferable choice of sustained peptide delivery systems is generally polymer-based microspheres in which their large particle size, wide size distribution, low drug encapsulation efficacy, poor colloidal stability, and undesirable burst release eventually hinder their clinical translation. In this study, a nanoscale ternary Lixisenatide (Lix) sustained delivery system based on strong multivalent interactions (electrostatic and coordination complexation) among small molecular phytic acid (PA), Lix and Fe³⁺ was developed. Flash nanocomplexation (FNC) was utilized to facilitate the rapid and efficient mixing of the three components and kinetically control the assembly process that enabled dynamic balance of two competitive chemical reactions with different kinetic rates (slow chemical reaction of PA/Lix and fast chemical reaction of PA/Fe³⁺) to generate structural uniform ternary nanoparticles and avoid heterogeneous complexes. By tuning the mixing conditions (i.e., flow rate, mass ratio, concentration, pH value, etc.), the ternary PA/Lix/Fe³⁺ nanoparticles were assembled with reproducible production in a manner of high uniformity and scalability, achieving small size (∼50 nm), uniform composition (PDI: ∼0.12), favourable colloidal stability, high encapsulation efficiency (∼100%), and tunable drug release kinetics. The optimized formulation exhibited a minor Lix release (<20%) in the first day and extended peptide release period over 8 days. Unexpectedly, upon a single injection administration, the as-prepared formulation (600 μg/kg) rapidly brought the high BGL (∼30 mmol/L) back to normal range (<10 mmol/L) within the initial 6 h and achieved a 180 h glycemic control in T2D mouse model. Moreover, this sustained peptide delivery system demonstrated a repeatable hypoglycemic effects and significantly suppressed the pathological damage of major organs following multiple injection. This sustained peptide delivery system with aqueous, facile and reproducible preparation process possesses good biocompatibility, tunable release kinetics, and prolonged hypoglycemic effects, portending its great translational potential in the chronic disease treatment.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and cardiorenal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an updated meta-analysis of eight CVOTs

Background

A meta-analysis is presented of cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) comparing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) versus placebo on cardiorenal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We did an electronic search up to June 30, 2021, for eligible trials. We did a meta-analysis of available trial data using a random-effects model to calculate overall hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI (confidence intervals). We included data from 8 CVOTs and 60,080 patients (72.4% with established cardiovascular disease).

Results

GLP-1RA reduced major cardiovascular events (MACE) by 14% (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94, P = 0.006) with a non-significant heterogeneity between subgroups of patients with and without cardiovascular disease (P = 0.127). GLP-1RA also reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 13% (P = 0.016), nonfatal stroke by 16% (P = 0.007), hospitalization for heart failure by 10% (P = 0.023), all-cause mortality by 12% (P = 0.012), and the broad composite kidney outcome by 17% (P = 0.012), which was driven by a reduction in macroalbuminuria only (HR = 0.74, 0.67–0.82, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

GLP-1RA have moderate benefits on MACE, and also reduce hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause mortality; they also have robust benefits on reducing the incidence of macroalbuminuria.

Efficacy of once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide as an add-on treatment to basal insulin in Asian and white adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An individual-level pooled analysis of phase III studies

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The prevalence and pathophysiological background of type 2 diabetes mellitus vary across ethnicities, and can affect treatment responses. Adding lixisenatide to basal insulin (BI) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients has shown improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and postprandial glycemic (PPG) excursions, without increasing hypoglycemic events. We aim to compare the efficacy of lixisenatide in Asian and white patients inadequately controlled with basal insulin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An individual-level pooled analysis of two multi-national phase III studies, GetGoal-L and GetGoal-L-C, was carried out to assess the efficacy of lixisenatide versus placebo as an add-on treatment to BI ± metformin in Asian and white patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Change in HbA1c, 2-h PPG and PPG excursion were analyzed, along with possible predictors of glycemic control.

RESULTS

Pooled data showed that baseline characteristics were similar between Asian and white patients with the exception of bodyweight, body mass index and BI dose being higher in white patients. After 24 weeks, lixisenatide reduced HbA1c in both ethnic groups, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (Asian patients least squares mean difference -0.49, 95% confidence interval -0.68 to - 0.30 and white patients least squares mean difference -0.45, 95% confidence interval -0.63 to - 0.26; P = 0.6287). Similarly, no significant difference was found in 2-h PPG reduction between both groups (least squares mean difference for Asian vs white patients: -3.37 vs -3.93; P = 0.3203). Treatment with lixisenatide contributed to HbA1c reduction of -0.56% after adjustment of baseline HbA1c level in Asian patients, and -0.41% in white patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding lixisenatide to BI significantly reduced HbA1c and 2-h PPG levels in both Asian and white participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No differences in treatment effect were observed between the two populations.

GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes - state-of-the-art

BACKGROUND

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with exenatide b.i.d. first approved to treat type 2 diabetes in 2005 have been further developed to yield effective compounds/preparations that have overcome the original problem of rapid elimination (short half-life), initially necessitating short intervals between injections (twice daily for exenatide b.i.d.).

SCOPE OF REVIEW

To summarize current knowledge about GLP-1 receptor agonist.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

At present, GLP-1 RAs are injected twice daily (exenatide b.i.d.), once daily (lixisenatide and liraglutide), or once weekly (exenatide once weekly, dulaglutide, albiglutide, and semaglutide). A daily oral preparation of semaglutide, which has demonstrated clinical effectiveness close to the once-weekly subcutaneous preparation, was recently approved. All GLP-1 RAs share common mechanisms of action: augmentation of hyperglycemia-induced insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon secretion at hyper- or euglycemia, deceleration of gastric emptying preventing large post-meal glycemic increments, and a reduction in calorie intake and body weight. Short-acting agents (exenatide b.i.d., lixisenatide) have reduced effectiveness on overnight and fasting plasma glucose, but maintain their effect on gastric emptying during long-term treatment. Long-acting GLP-1 RAs (liraglutide, once-weekly exenatide, dulaglutide, albiglutide, and semaglutide) have more profound effects on overnight and fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c, both on a background of oral glucose-lowering agents and in combination with basal insulin. Effects on gastric emptying decrease over time (tachyphylaxis). Given a similar, if not superior, effectiveness for HbA1c reduction with additional weight reduction and no intrinsic risk of hypoglycemic episodes, GLP-1RAs are recommended as the preferred first injectable glucose-lowering therapy for type 2 diabetes, even before insulin treatment. However, GLP-1 RAs can be combined with (basal) insulin in either free- or fixed-dose preparations. More recently developed agents, in particular semaglutide, are characterized by greater efficacy with respect to lowering plasma glucose as well as body weight. Since 2016, several cardiovascular (CV) outcome studies have shown that GLP-1 RAs can effectively prevent CV events such as acute myocardial infarction or stroke and associated mortality. Therefore, guidelines particularly recommend treatment with GLP-1 RAs in patients with pre-existing atherosclerotic vascular disease (for example, previous CV events). The evidence of similar effects in lower-risk subjects is not quite as strong. Since sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor treatment reduces CV events as well (with the effect mainly driven by a reduction in heart failure complications), the individual risk of ischemic or heart failure complications should guide the choice of treatment. GLP-1 RAs may also help prevent renal complications of type 2 diabetes. Other active research areas in the field of GLP-1 RAs are the definition of subgroups within the type 2 diabetes population who particularly benefit from treatment with GLP-1 RAs. These include pharmacogenomic approaches and the characterization of non-responders. Novel indications for GLP-1 RAs outside type 2 diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and psoriasis, are being explored. Thus, within 15 years of their initial introduction, GLP-1 RAs have become a well-established class of glucose-lowering agents that has the potential for further development and growing impact for treating type 2 diabetes and potentially other diseases.

Effects of GLP-1 and Its Analogs on Gastric Physiology in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity

The processing of proglucagon in intestinal L cells results in the formation of glucagon, GLP-1, and GLP-2. The GLP-1 molecule becomes active through the effect of proconvertase 1, and it is inactivated by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), so that the half-life of endogenous GLP-1 is 2-3 min. GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion from β cells in the islets of Langerhans. Human studies show that infusion of GLP-1 results in slowing of gastric emptying and increased fasting and postprandial gastric volumes. Retardation of gastric emptying reduces postprandial glycemia. Exendin-4 is a peptide agonist of the GLP-1 receptor that promotes insulin secretion. Chemical modifications of exendin-4 and GLP-1 molecules have been accomplished to prolong the half-life of GLP-1 agonists or analogs. This chapter reviews the effects of GLP-1-related drugs used in treatment of diabetes or obesity on gastric motor functions, chiefly gastric emptying. The literature shows that diverse methods have been used to measure effects of the GLP-1-related drugs on gastric emptying, with most studies using the acetaminophen absorption test which essentially measures gastric emptying of liquids during the first hour and capacity to absorb the drug over 4-6 h, expressed as AUC. The most valid measurements by scintigraphy (solids or liquids) and acetaminophen absorption at 30 or 60 min show that GLP-1-related drugs used in diabetes or obesity retard gastric emptying, and this is associated with reduced glycemia and variable effects on food intake and appetite. GLP-1 agonists and analogs are integral to the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. The effects on gastric emptying are reduced with long-acting preparations or long-term use of short-acting preparations as a result of tachyphylaxis. The dual agonists targeting GLP-1 and another receptor (GIP) do not retard gastric emptying, based on reports to date. In summary, GLP-1 agonists and analogs are integral to the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, and their effects are mediated, at least in part, by retardation of gastric emptying.

Titratable fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine plus lixisenatide: A simplified approach to glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Approximately 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not achieve glycemic targets and require treatment intensification. A fixed-ratio combination of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) with basal insulin, such as lixisenatide with insulin glargine (iGlarLixi), exploits the complementary mechanisms of action of each component to address hyperglycemia while mitigating potential adverse events (AEs). The iGlarLixi dose is titrated considering the effect of basal insulin on fasting plasma glucose, and the fixed-ratio combination ensures that the lixisenatide dose never exceeds 20 μg/day. We describe the characteristics of iGlarLixi therapy, based on the LixiLan clinical program, and provide guidance on the characteristics of patients likely to benefit from such treatment in routine clinical practice. In the phase III LixiLan trials, iGlarLixi resulted in significantly greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), better achievement of HbA1c targets, less glycemic variability versus insulin glargine, lixisenatide or GLP-1 RA alone, and was associated with weight control, less hypoglycemia versus insulin glargine, and fewer GI AEs versus lixisenatide. Findings were consistent regardless of age, diabetes duration, and baseline HbA1c. The efficacy, safety, and convenient once-daily administration schedule of iGlarLixi make it a valuable treatment option for patients with T2DM requiring treatment intensification.

Mexican population sub-analysis of the lixilan clinical program with the fixed ratio combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi)

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the LixiLan clinical trials and compare results with the rest of the patients.

METHODS

Data was collected for Mexican patients who participated in either of three studies: phase 2 trial LixiLan-POC, that compared iGlarLixi vs insulin glargine (iGlar) on inadequately controlled patients with metformin; phase 3 trial LixiLan-O, comparing iGlarLixi vs iGlar and lixisenatide on inadequately controlled patients with oral antidiabetic agents; and finally the phase 3 trial LixiLan-L, comparing iGlarLixi vs iGlar on inadequately controlled patients with basal insulin. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to end of treatment.

RESULTS

In the Mexican population, treatment with iGlarLixi significantly improved HbA1c compared with each component alone achieving an average of 6.5%; (6.17%, 6.63% and 6.73% for the LixiLan-POC, O and L studies respectively) and an average HbA1c reduction from baseline of 1.6%, for the three studies at end of treatment period.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety profile of iGlarLixi demonstrate a fair or better composite endpoint of HbA1c without hypoglycemia and no weight gain compared to overall trial population, which could help improve Mexican patients' outcomes.

Safety of lixisenatide plus basal insulin treatment regimen in Indian people with type 2 diabetes mellitus during Ramadan fast: A post hoc analysis of the LixiRam randomized trial

AIMS

Hypoglycemia is one of the most important complications associated with Ramadan fasting in people with type 2 diabetes. LixiRam (NCT02941367) was the first randomized trial comparing safety and efficacy of lixisenatide + basal insulin (BI) vs. sulphonylurea + BI in people with type 2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan. This post hoc analysis focuses on the LixiRam study population from India.

METHODS

Adults with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled with sulphonylurea + BI ± another oral anti-hyperglycemic drug were randomized 1:1 to receive lixisenatide + BI or to continue sulphonylurea + BI treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 150 participants were randomized in India. One participant (1.3%) with lixisenatide + BI vs. 5 participants (6.8%) with sulphonylurea + BI experienced ≥1 documented symptomatic hypoglycemic event during the Ramadan fast (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-1.93). Incidence of any hypoglycemia was numerically lower with lixisenatide + BI vs. sulphonylurea + BI during Ramadan fasting (1.3% [1/75] vs. 14.7% [11/75], respectively; OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.69). No new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of lixisenatide prandial GLP1-RA + BI may be a suitable treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes who elect to fast during Ramadan. Clinical Trial Registry: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02941367).

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Differentially Affects Brain Activation in Response to Visual Food Cues in Lean and Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on functional brain activation in lean and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in response to visual food cues.

METHODS

In a randomized, single-blinded, crossover study, 15 lean and 14 obese individuals with T2DM were administered lixisenatide or normal saline subcutaneously with a 1-week washout period. We evaluated brain activation in response to pictures of high-calorie food, low-calorie food, and nonfood using functional magnetic resonance imaging and measured appetite and caloric intake in participants who were given access to an ad libitum buffet.

RESULTS

Obese individuals with T2DM showed significantly greater activation of the hypothalamus, pineal gland, parietal cortex (high-calorie food vs. low-calorie food, P<0.05), orbitofrontal cortex (high-calorie food vs. nonfood, P<0.05), and visual cortex (food vs. nonfood, P<0.05) than lean individuals with T2DM. Lixisenatide injection significantly reduced the functional activation of the fusiform gyrus and lateral ventricle in obese individuals with T2DM compared with that in lean individuals with T2DM (nonfood vs. high-calorie food, P<0.05). In addition, in individuals who decreased their caloric intake after lixisenatide injection, there were significant interaction effects between group and treatment in the posterior cingulate, medial frontal cortex (high-calorie food vs. low-calorie food, P<0.05), hypothalamus, orbitofrontal cortex, and temporal lobe (food vs. nonfood, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Brain responses to visual food cues were different in lean and obese individuals with T2DM. In addition, acute administration of lixisenatide differentially affected functional brain activation in these individuals, especially in those who decreased their caloric intake after lixisenatide injection.

Lixisenatide Reduced Damage in Hippocampus CA1 Neurons in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Possibly Via the ERK/P38 Signaling Pathway

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived peptide that has various physiological actions. One of its main actions is the regulation of blood glucose level when it is elevated as it potentiates insulin release. It is also known that GLP-1 protects neurons from damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases. Lixisenatide is one of the GLP-1 analogues that has a strong affinity to the GLP-1 receptor. Experimental animal studies have shown that it holds a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson, myocardial, and cerebral ischemic disease animal models. The beneficial effect of lixisenatide on the brain after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is not clarified yet; thus, it needs further explanatory studies. Our research is the first to study the effect of lixisenatide on myeloperoxidase (MPO) and toll-like receptors (TLRs)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in a rat model of cerebral I/R. Lixisenatide with 2 doses 0.7 and 7 nmol/kg was given intraperitoneal in 2 different groups for 14 days; then, the bilateral common carotid artery was occluded for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 1 h. Examination of hippocampus CA1 neurons by Nissl stain showed that the number of intact neurons was elevated in the lixisenatide-treated group related to the control group (I/R group). Lixisenatide exhibited neuroprotection action possibly via downregulation of MPO, TLR2/4, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and pP38 and upregulation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK1/2); thus, this study gives possible link between lixisenatide and TLR/MAPK pathway following cerebral I/R and supports the use of lixisenatide for neuroprotection against stroke.

Lixisenatide versus insulin glulisine on top of insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cost-per-responder analysis in China

Objective: To compare the cost per responder of lixisenatide versus insulin glulisine once daily (basal-plus) and three times daily (basal-bolus) on top of basal insulin for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled by basal insulin in China.Methods: The cost per responder was estimated based on clinical data obtained from the GetGoal Duo-2 clinical trial and direct medical costs from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system over a 52-week time horizon. The response was assessed at week 26 in the clinical trial, which was extrapolated to 52 weeks to estimate the annual cost per responder. Responders were primarily defined using a composite endpoint that based on an HbA1c ≤ 7.0% threshold AND no weight gain With or Without no documented symptomatic hypoglycemia. Composite endpoints with varied HbA1c thresholds were defined in secondary analyses.Results: For the composite endpoint of HbA1c threshold ≤7.0% AND no weight gain, the annual cost per responder results were 96,722 CNY, 122,552 CNY and 135,926 CNY (14,616, 18,520 and 20,541 US dollars) for lixisenatide combined with basal insulin, basal-plus, and basal-bolus, respectively. For the composite endpoint of HbA1c threshold ≤7.0% AND no weight gain AND no documented symptomatic hypoglycemia, the annual cost per responder results were 136,290 CNY, 231,487 CNY and 222,424 CNY (20,596, 34,982 and 33,612 US dollars) for lixisenatide combined with basal insulin, basal-plus, and basal-bolus, respectively. The secondary analyses proved similar results.Conclusion: Lixisenatide combined with basal insulin is associated with a lower cost per responder compared with basal-plus and basal-bolus for T2DM patients inadequately controlled by basal insulin in China.

lixisenatide in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: What effect should we expect in routine clinical practice?

AIM

Liraglutide and lixisenatide improved glycemic control, weight and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Our objective was to analyze clinical efficacy and safety differences in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

A 24-week prospective observational study to compare the effect of liraglutide versus lixisenatide in obese T2DM patients in routine clinical practice. The main objective was to analyze between-group glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) differences at the end of the study. Secondary objectives included differences in body weight, other CVRF, changes in medication, side effects, satisfaction and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients (50 liraglutide, 50 lixisenatide) were included. Both groups experienced a decrease in HbA_1c values (liraglutide, -1.4%, CI 95% -2, -0.8, P < 0.001 vs. lixisenatide, -0.8%, 95% CI -1.2, -0.5, P < 0.001). No differences were found in final HbA_1c values between both groups (liraglutide 7.3 ± 0.9% vs. lixisenatide 7.2 ± 1.5%, P = 0.7). We did not detect between groups differences in anthropometric variables or CVRF at the study end. A lower proportion of patients received treatment with a maximum dose of liraglutide compared with lixisenatide (27% vs. 95%, P < 0.001). In contrast, a greater percentage of patients in the lixisenatide group than in liraglutide group (29% vs. 9%, P = 0.026) intensified treatment by the addition of sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors. Adverse events were less frequently reported in liraglutide treated patients compared with lixisentatide (80% vs. 96%, P = 0.014). No serious adverse events were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the efficacy and safety of liraglutide and lixisenatide in routine clinical practice. Moreover, a different therapeutic effect between liraglutide and lixisenatide was detected.

Achieving postprandial glucose control with lixisenatide improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin: a post-hoc analysis of pooled data

Background

To examine the impact on glycemic control of achieving postprandial glucose (PPG) target with lixisenatide, a once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist approved in the US, in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) on basal insulin, an agent that primarily targets fasting plasma glucose.

Methods

A post hoc pooled analysis was conducted using clinical trial data extracted from the intent-to-treat subpopulation of patients with T2D who participated in the 24-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-arm parallel-group, multicenter GetGoal-L (NCT00715624), GetGoal-Duo 1 (NCT00975286) and GetGoal-L Asia trials (NCT00866658).

Results

Data from 587 lixisenatide-treated patients and 484 placebo-treated patients were included. Patients on lixisenatide were more likely to achieve a PPG target of < 10 mmol/L (< 180 mg/dL) than placebo-treated patients (P < 0.001), regardless of baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. More importantly, those who reached the PPG target experienced a significantly greater reduction in mean HbA1c, were more likely to achieve HbA1c target of < 53 mmol/mol (< 7.0%), and experienced weight loss. Those outcomes were achieved with no significant differences in the risk of symptomatic hypoglycemia compared with placebo.

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, addition of lixisenatide to basal insulin improved HbA1c and reduced PPG, without increasing hypoglycemia risk. These findings highlight the importance of PPG control in the management of T2D, and provide evidence that adding an agent to basal insulin therapy that also impacts PPG has therapeutic value for patients who are not meeting glycemic targets.

Trial registration

NCT00715624. Registered 15 July 2008, NCT00975286. Registered 11 September 2009, NCT00866658. Registered 20 March 2009.

Lixisenatide attenuates advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced degradation of extracellular matrix in human primary chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a growing threat to the health of the global population. Accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) has been shown to upregulate expression of degradative enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) in chondrocytes, which leads to excessive degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan in the articular extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present study we investigated the effects of the GLP-1 agonist lixisenatide, a widely used type II diabetes medication, on AGEs-induced decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), degradation of ECM, oxidative stress, expression of cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Our findings indicate that lixisenatide significantly ameliorated the deleterious effects of AGEs in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, lixisenatide has potential as a safe and effective treatment for OA and other AGEs-induced inflammatory diseases.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Lixisenatide as Add-On to Oral Antidiabetic Drugs as Part of Routine Clinical Practice in Bulgaria: LIXODAR Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to demonstrate the beneficial effect of lixisenatide as add-on therapy to oral antidiabetics (OADs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in routine clinical practice in Bulgaria.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational, multicentre study evaluating the real-life effectiveness and safety of 24-week treatment with lixisenatide in previously uncontrolled T2DM patients on combination therapy with metformin and sulfonylurea on highest tolerable doses.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients were included in the study. The mean (± SD) age in the cohort was 56.2 ± 9.1 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 7.3 ± 6.0 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 39.7 ± 4.7 kg/m². The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline was 8.8 ± 1.1%. The mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) at baseline were 10.5 ± 3.1 mmol/L and 12.1 ± 3.4 mmol/L respectively. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c < 7% at study end was 39.0% (95% CI 32.9-45.3). The proportion of patients reaching their individual HbA1c target was 49.0% (95% CI 42.6-55.4). The mean change in HbA1c from baseline was - 1.3 ± 1.2%. The mean change in FPG was - 2.4 ± 3.0 mmol/L and the mean change in PPG was - 3.2 ± 3.6 mmol/L. The mean body weight change from baseline was - 7.2 ± 5.5 kg. The mean BMI change was - 2.6 ± 1.9 kg/m². The hypoglycaemia incidence was low: 6.1% for all hypoglycaemic events, 3.8% for symptomatic events and 0.4% for severe events.

CONCLUSIONS

Lixisenatide as add-on therapy to OADs in a real-life setting led to significant improvements in glycaemic control with low incidence of hypoglycaemia and beneficial weight loss. Lixisenatide was well tolerated with few patients having adverse events or discontinuing therapy. These findings are consistent with lixisenatide's safety and efficacy profile established in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

FUNDING

Sanofi Bulgaria.

GLP-1 RA Treatment and Dosing Patterns Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Six Countries: A Retrospective Analysis of Pharmacy Claims Data

INTRODUCTION

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) class is evolving and expanding. This retrospective database study evaluated recent real-world treatment and dosing patterns of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating GLP-1 RAs in Belgium (BE), France (FR), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), the Netherlands (NL), and Canada (CA).

METHODS

Adult T2D patients initiating GLP-1 RA therapy (dulaglutide [DULA], exenatide twice daily [exBID], exenatide once weekly [exQW], liraglutide [LIRA], or lixisenatide [LIXI]) from 2015 to 2016 were identified using the IQVIA (IQVIA, Durham, NC, and Danbury, CT, USA) Real-World Data Adjudicated Pharmacy Claims. The therapy initiation date was termed the 'index date.' Eligible patients had ≥ 180 days pre-index and ≥ 360 days post-index. Persistence (until discontinuation or switch) was evaluated over the variable follow-up using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis. Average daily dose (ADD) was calculated until discontinuation or switch.

RESULTS

A total of 34,649 DULA, 3616 exBID, 11,138 exQW, 48,317 LIRA, and 2,204 LIXI patients were included in the analysis (34.9-63.2% female; median age range 53-62 years; median follow-up 16-30 months). Proportion persistent at 1-year post-index was 36.8-67.2% for DULA, 5.9-44.4% for exBID, 24.7-44.2% for exQW, 22.2-57.5% for LIRA, and 15.5-40.0% for LIXI. Median time persistent (days) was 245-381 for DULA, 62-243 for exBID, 121-319 for exQW, 103-507 for LIRA, and 99-203 for LIXI. Mean ADD was 13.21-20.43 µg for exBID, 1.44-1.68 mg for LIRA, and 19.88-20.54 µg for LIXI. Mean average weekly dose (AWD) ranged from 2.03 to 2.14 mg for exQW. Mean AWD for DULA was 1.25 mg in Canada and ranged from 1.43 to 1.53 mg in the other countries.

CONCLUSION

Across six countries, persistence was highest among DULA patients and generally lowest among exBID patients. ADD/AWD for all GLP-1 RAs was in line with the recommended label. Longer-term data would be useful to obtain a better understanding of GLP-1 RA treatment patterns over time.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Impact of dose capping in insulin glargine/lixisenatide fixed-ratio combination trials in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The LixiLan clinical trials of insulin glargine (iGlar)/lixisenatide fixed-ratio combination (iGlarLixi) investigated the safety and efficacy of iGlarLixi versus iGlar: LixiLan-O (NCT02058147) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) and LixiLan-L (NCT02058160) in patients with T2D inadequately controlled on basal insulin ± OADs. In these two trials, both iGlar and iGlarLixi were titrated to a maximum (capped) dose of 60 units. We evaluated whether this may have affected the reported glycemic efficacy of iGlar, and the glycemic differences observed between treatment with iGlarLixi and iGlar.

METHODS

The efficacy of iGlar under uncapped conditions was simulated in a two-step approach. First, a model characterizing the relationship between iGlar dose and fasting self-measured plasma glucose (f-SMPG) was developed. Then, the relationship between glycated hemoglobin A1_c (A1C) and f-SMPG was established to translate simulated f-SMPG responses to A1C responses.

RESULTS

Most patients achieved stable f-SMPG at ∼60 units/day, with no further reduction with increasing insulin dose. In comparisons of observed/capped and simulated/uncapped changes in mean A1C from baseline to Week 30, iGlarLixi consistently demonstrated treatment benefit compared with iGlar. Uncapping resulted in a slightly higher mean iGlar dose in both LixiLan-O (+0.72 units) and LixiLan-L (+2.1 units), without marked impact on f-SMPG or A1C change from baseline.

CONCLUSION

Uncapping the iGlar dose in LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L would not have led to significant improvements in mean A1C reduction in the iGlar arm, supporting the conclusion that iGlarLixi provides additional, clinically relevant glycemic control versus iGlar alone.

Rationale for a titratable fixed-ratio co-formulation of a basal insulin analog and a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Achieving and maintaining recommended glycemic targets, including those for glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1C), is key to improving outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). As fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose contribute to overall A1C, targeting both is essential for sustaining glycemic control.

METHODS

This review examines the complementary mechanisms of action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and basal insulin; they both enhance glucose-stimulated insulin release and suppress glucagon secretion. GLP-1 receptor agonists also slow gastric emptying and increase satiety.

RESULTS

Adding a GLP-1 receptor agonist to therapy with a basal insulin analog has been associated with improved overall glycemic control, with comparable risk of hypoglycemia and no weight gain. Titratable fixed-ratio co-formulations of basal insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist have been shown to improve glycemic control, with less complex dosing schedules, possibly increasing treatment adherence. The slow titration of fixed-ratio co-formulations has been shown to reduce the occurrence and severity of gastrointestinal adverse events associated with the use of a separate GLP-1 receptor agonist. Titratable fixed-ratio co-formulations also mitigate insulin-associated weight gain, and show a comparable risk of hypoglycemia to basal insulin use alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of titratable fixed-ratio co-formulations have been demonstrated for insulin degludec/liraglutide and insulin glargine/lixisenatide in the DUAL and LixiLan trials, respectively, in both insulin-naive and -experienced patients. Titratable fixed-ratio co-formulations represent an attractive treatment option for many patients with T2D.

Austrian Experience with Lixisenatide Under Real-Life Conditions: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Lixisenatide has been studied extensively in randomized clinical trials; however, data on its use in the real-life practice are scarce.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, 26-week, multicenter, observational study conducted in Austrian diabetes centers and office-based practices to evaluate efficacy and safety of lixisenatide under real-life conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Out of 144 patients (mean BMI 36.4 kg/m², disease duration 12.4 years), 113 completed the documentation at 6 months and 42% received basal insulin with or without oral antidiabetic drugs. The HbA1c declined from 8.7% (72 mmol/mol) to 7.9% (63 mmol/mol) and at study end 24.8% of the patients reached an HbA1c level below 7%. Fasting and postprandial glucose after lixisenatide administration were reduced by 27 ± 58 mg/dl and 45 ± 67 mg/dl, respectively. At study end body weight (- 4.5 ± 5.4 kg), triglycerides (- 10.8 ± 105 mg/dl), systolic blood pressure (- 4.8 ± 17.1 mmHg), and LDL cholesterol (- 3.7 ± 25 mg/dl) were reduced. The most commonly reported adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders (18.8%). Forty-three patients (30%) discontinued prematurely, mostly caused by lack of efficacy, occurrence of gastrointestinal disorders, and missing reimbursement. The average dose of insulin decreased slightly by 1.5 units (from 29.4 to 27.9).

CONCLUSION

Lixisenatide demonstrated a similar efficacy and safety profile under real-life conditions as previously shown in randomized clinical trials.

FUNDING

sanofi-aventis GmbH Austria.

Impact of lixisenatide dose range on clinical outcomes with fixed-ratio combination iGlarLixi in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the lixisenatide dose range delivered by the iGlarLixi SoloSTAR pen (5-20 µg), alone or in fixed-ratio combination with insulin glargine (iGlar; iGlarLixi).

METHODS

Data from three clinical studies were analyzed to assess lixisenatide efficacy and safety: a phase 2a trial assessing gastric emptying effects (ACT6011); a phase 2b dose-ranging trial (DRI6012); and a randomized controlled phase 3 trial comparing iGlarLixi with its components of iGlar and lixisenatide (LixiLan-O). Efficacy metrics included glycated hemoglobin A_1c (A1C), post-prandial glucose (PPG) values following a standardized breakfast, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and weight change. Occurrence of gastrointestinal adverse events was also assessed.

RESULTS

ACT6011: lixisenatide doses from 5-20 μg once daily (QD) suppressed PPG; maximal reductions in mean PPG area under the curve were achieved with doses ≥12.5 µg QD, but doses as low as 5 μg achieved 44% of maximal reduction. DRI6012: lixisenatide doses 5-20 μg QD resulted in significant, dose-dependent decreases in A1C, percentage of patients achieving A1C <7.0%, and 2-h PPG levels; doses of 20 μg achieved complete suppression of PPG. LixiLan-O: iGlarLixi decreased 2-h PPG across the entire dose range. Lixisenatide dose was unrelated to reductions in FPG with iGlarLixi. Similar reductions in A1C were seen with iGlarLixi across all lixisenatide doses.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis demonstrates the clinical benefit of lixisenatide alone or in the formulation of iGlarLixi over the entire dose range of lixisenatide contained in iGlarLixi (5-20 µg), supporting the selection of the lixisenatide dose range delivered by the iGlarLixi SoloSTAR pen.

Safety of lixisenatide versus sulfonylurea added to basal insulin treatment in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who elect to fast during Ramadan (LixiRam): An international, randomized, open-label trial

AIMS

Adding lixisenatide to basal insulin (BI) instead of sulfonylurea (SU), versus continuing SU + BI was assessed in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who intended to fast during Ramadan 2017.

METHODS

LixiRam (NCT02941367) was a phase 4, randomized, open-label, 12-22-week study in people with T2DM insufficiently controlled with SU + BI ± 1 oral anti-diabetic. Endpoints included the percentage of participants with ≥1 documented symptomatic hypoglycemia event (plasma glucose ≤70 mg/dL; primary endpoint) and any hypoglycemia during Ramadan fasting.

RESULTS

A numerically lower percentage of participants with lixisenatide + BI (3.3%, 3/91) versus SU + BI (8.9%, 8/90) had ≥1 documented symptomatic hypoglycemia event (intent-to-treat visit 4) during Ramadan fasting (OR: 0.34; 95% CI 0.09, 1.35; proportion difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.13, 0.01); the difference was statistically significant for the 'any hypoglycemia' category (lixisenatide + BI: 4.3%, 4/92; SU + BI: 17.4%, 16/92; OR: 0.22; 95% CI 0.07, 0.68; proportion difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.22, -0.04; intent-to-treat). No new treatment-emergent adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with SU + BI, lixisenatide + BI provided lower rates of any hypoglycemia in people with T2DM during Ramadan fasting. Lixisenatide + BI therapy may be a suitable treatment option during fasting.

C-Peptide Area Under the Curve at Glucagon Stimulation Test Predicts Glucose Improvements by GLP-1 Receptor Analogue: A Retrospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the widespread use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1ras) to improve glycemic regulation, with a low risk of hypoglycemia and weight reduction, their effectiveness varies among individuals. This study aimed to identify predictors of the efficacy of GLP-1ra on Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with insulin-independent diabetes.

METHODS

In total, 58 patients with insulin-independent diabetes were included. Patients were included if their β-cell function was evaluated via a glucagon stimulation test (GST) before the introduction of GLP-1ra therapy. β-Cell function-related indices, such as the C-peptide index (CPI), increments in C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) after glucagon stimulation (ΔCPR), and the area under the CPR curve (CPR-AUC) during the GST, were evaluated. HbA1c and body weight (BW) were measured at 6 and 12 months after the initiation of GLP-1ra.

RESULTS

A univariate regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between CPR-AUC and changes in HbA1c at 6 months and with changes in BW at 6 and 12 months. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that CPR-AUC was significantly correlated with changes in HbA1c at 6 months. A receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that 21.9 ng/ml·min CPR-AUC was the optimal cut-off value to predict an HbA1c level < 7%, i.e., 53 mmol/mol.

CONCLUSION

Residual β-cell function, as assessed via CPR-AUC in the GST, is an effective predictor of the efficacy of GLP-1ras.

The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes in Asia

The improvement of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an urgent need in Asia. East Asian T2D patients have distinct characteristics, including relatively low body weight, early impairment of islet beta cell function with reduced insulin secretion and a marked increase in postprandial blood glucose levels. Control of postprandial hyperglycemia and beta cell preservation are key elements of the therapeutic strategy for these patients. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) reduce HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and (in particular) postprandial glucose levels, and slow gastric emptying, while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Compared with long-acting GLP-1RAs, short-acting GLP-1RAs produce greater slowing of gastric emptying (which is a key factor driving the reduction of postprandial glycemia) and induce beta cell rest rather than promoting postprandial insulin secretion when used under physiological conditions. GLP-1RAs have greater efficacy in Asian than Caucasian patients. GLP-1RA add-on therapy provides clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and postprandial glucose in Asians with T2D inadequately controlled by oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) or basal insulin ± OADs. Premixed insulin is often prescribed for T2D patients in China. A short-acting GLP-1RA plus basal insulin is an alternative to premixed insulin, resulting in better efficacy and a lower risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. In conclusion, GLP-1RAs, especially short-acting GLP-1RAs, are a practical treatment option for East Asian patients with T2D inadequately controlled by OADs or basal insulin.Funding: Sanofi.

Efficacy and safety of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) fixed-ratio combination in older adults with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi (a titratable, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine [iGlar] plus lixisenatide) in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis used patient-level data from patients aged ≥65 years from the phase III LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L studies, which compared iGlarLixi with iGlar and lixisenatide (LixiLan-O only). Efficacy endpoints were changes in glycated hemoglobin A1C, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, weight, and achievement of A1C <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Safety measures included incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (defined as typical symptoms of hypoglycemia plus self-measured plasma glucose ≤70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L]), severe hypoglycemia (requiring assistance of another person), and incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events. Results were compared with those from patients aged <65 years.

RESULTS

In both trials, older patients treated with iGlarLixi achieved significantly greater reductions in A1C at Week 30 than comparators. Treatment with iGlarLixi mitigated insulin-associated weight gain and lixisenatide-associated gastrointestinal events. Results were largely comparable between patients aged ≥65 versus <65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

iGlarLixi provides significant improvements in glycemic control in patients aged ≥65 years without increasing hypoglycemia risk. As a once-daily injection, it simplifies treatment regimens and may contribute to improved adherence in this patient population.

A Review of the Safety and Adverse Event Profile of the Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Glargine and Lixisenatide

INTRODUCTION

iGlarLixi is a titratable, fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine (100 units/mL) and lixisenatide (33 μg/mL). This review evaluates the overall safety and adverse event (AE) profile of iGlarLixi in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We collated patient-level data from the phase 2 LixiLan proof-of-concept trial and the phase 3 LixiLan-L (insulin-experienced patients) and LixiLan-O (insulin-naïve patients) trials to evaluate AEs associated with iGlarLixi. We also describe data from the ELIXA study to examine pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and the ELIXA and ORIGIN studies for cardiovascular safety data.

RESULTS

Patients treated with iGlarLixi had improved glycemic control with a similar incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose ≤ 70 mg/dL) compared with iGlar. Incidence of severe hypoglycemia (an event requiring third-party assistance) was low in all treatment arms in both LixiLan-L and LixiLan-O. Rates of gastrointestinal AEs in patients treated with iGlarLixi tended to be lower compared with lixisenatide alone, but higher than those treated with iGlar alone. Gastrointestinal AEs were generally mild to moderate in intensity and transient. Antibodies formed in response to iGlarLixi did not have any significant clinical impact, with similar safety observed for antibody-positive and antibody-negative populations. Rates of allergic reactions, malignancy, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events were low and comparable between treatment groups. Older age (≥ 65 years) and gender did not affect efficacy or safety.

CONCLUSION

iGlarLixi has a safety profile that is consistent with that of its two active components insulin glargine and lixisenatide, with no signals for pancreatitis or thyroid C cell tumors, and no black-box warning for iGlarLixi. There were no unexpected safety findings; iGlarLixi had beneficial effects on glycemic control, with no increased risk of hypoglycemia, despite a greater glycated hemoglobin A1c reduction. In addition, there were also fewer gastrointestinal AEs associated with iGlarLixi compared with lixisenatide alone.

FUNDING

Sanofi US Inc.

Lixisenatide enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function through regulating the CREB/PGC-1α pathway

Mitochondrial dysregulation has been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and pathophysiological development of cardiovascular diseases. Lixisenatide is a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Little information regarding the effects of lixisenatide on mitochondrial function in endothelial cells has been reported before. In the current study, we found that treatment with lixisenatide significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, a "molecular switch" of mitochondrial biogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Lixisenatide treatment also promoted the expressions of NRF1 and TFAM, which are the target genes of PGC-1α and executors of mitochondrial biogenesis. Importantly, our results indicate that lixisenatide treatment promoted mitochondrial biogenesis by elevating the ratio of mitochondrial-to-nuclear DNA (mtDNA/nDNA), mitochondrial mass, cytochrome B expression, and citrate synthase activity in HUVECs. Correspondingly, we found that lixisenatide treatment led to a functional gain and improvement in mitochondria by increasing the mitochondrial respiration rate and ATP generation. Mechanistically, lixisenatide treatment induced the phosphorylation of CREB at Ser133. Blockage of CREB phosphorylation using its inhibitor H89 abolished the effects of lixisenatide on the activation of PGC-1α/NRF-1/TFAM as well as the increase in mtDNA/nDNA. These findings suggest that lixisenatide promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in endothelial cells through activating the PGC-1α signaling pathway, which is mediated by the transcriptional factor CREB.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Combination Therapy with Basal Insulin and Either Lixisenatide or Vildagliptin in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Multicenter Study

INTRODUCTION

We comprehensively evaluated the effects of combination therapy with insulin glargine and the incretin-based drugs lixisenatide or vildagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In this 12-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter study (GLP-ONE Kobe), the incretin-based drug sitagliptin was randomly switched to lixisenatide (20 μg/day, n = 18) or vildagliptin (100 mg/day, n = 20) in patients with inadequate glycemic control despite combination therapy with insulin glargine and sitagliptin. The dose of insulin glargine was titrated after the switch to maintain fasting blood glucose at approximately 110 mg/dL. The primary end points of the study were the change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) level between before and 12 weeks after the treatment switch, the proportion of patients achieving an HbA_1c level below 7.0%, and the postprandial increase in glucose concentration as assessed by self-monitoring of blood glucose.

RESULTS

The change in HbA_1c level from baseline to 12 weeks did not differ significantly between the lixisenatide and vildagliptin groups (- 0.6 ± 0.7% and - 0.6 ± 1.2%, respectively, P = 0.920). Neither the proportion of patients achieving an HbA_1c level below 7.0% nor the postprandial increase in glucose concentration was different between two groups. Body weight and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level decreased significantly in the lixisenatide and vildagliptin groups, respectively. Both drugs were associated with mild gastrointestinal symptoms but not with severe hypoglycemia. Vildagliptin was associated with elevation of serum aspartate transaminase. Treatment satisfaction as assessed with the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The combinations of basal insulin and either lixisenatide or vildagliptin have similar efficacies with regard to improvement of glycemic control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial has been registered with UMIN (No. 000010769).

Cardiovascular Effects of Different GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have positive effects on weight loss, blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and glycemic control. They exhibit a broad range of effects on the cardiovascular system that are independent of changes in blood glucose. Cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated safety of GLP-1 RAs but results for cardiovascular efficacy were varied. The aim of the present review is the assessment of the effects of GLP-1 RAs on cardiovascular risk factors, and major cardiovascular events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with relative risk reduction in cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality with no significant differences for the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or medullary thyroid cancer when compared to placebo. Although there are differences between individual medications with respect to their effects on cardiovascular events, GLP-1 RAs offer a favorable risk-benefit profile. The present review confirms the cardiovascular safety and efficacy vs placebo of GLP-1 RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes at moderate-to-high atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk without significant side effects. Although professional guidelines recommend metformin as the sole first-line agent, GLP-1 RAs can be used as first-line therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes who either are intolerant to metformin or have high cardiovascular risk factors.

iGlarLixi Reduces Glycated Hemoglobin to a Greater Extent Than Basal Insulin Regardless of Levels at Screening: Post Hoc Analysis of LixiLan-L

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin and oral glucose-lowering drugs was investigated previously in the LixiLan-L trial. In the LixiLan-L trial, patients experienced a 6-week run-in with insulin glargine U100 (iGlar) as part of the screening phase, followed by treatment with a fixed-ratio combination of iGlar + lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) or iGlar alone over 30 weeks. In the study reported here, we investigated the achievement of glycemic control in those who completed the 30-week LixiLan-L trial, as assessed by change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels from screening, both for the overall category and for screening HbA_1c subcategories.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis of the LixiLan-L trial included both the screening phase and the treatment period for 30-week completers and evaluated the change in HbA_1c from screening to Week 30, patients reaching HbA_1c < 7% at Week 30, and iGlar and lixisenatide (Lixi) doses at Week 30 overall and according to HbA_1c subcategory at screening (HbA_1c ≤ 8%, 8% < HbA_1c ≤ 9%, and HbA_1c > 9%). Documented symptomatic hypoglycemia during the treatment period was also assessed.

RESULTS

HbA_1c reductions (least squares mean) from screening to Week 30 were greater for iGlarLixi than iGlar, both overall (- 1.7 vs. - 1.1%) and in all subgroups (HbA_1c ≤ 8%, 8% < HbA_1c ≤ 9%, and HbA_1c > 9%): - 1.1, - 1.4, - 2.4 (iGlarLixi) vs. - 0.5, - 1.0, - 1.8% (iGlar), respectively (all p < 0.0001). The end-of-treatment mean HbA_1c level for iGlarLixi across all groups was < 7%. More patients achieved an HbA_1c of < 7% with iGlarLixi than with iGlar, both overall (59.9 vs. 31.2%) and within each subgroup [74.2, 54.7, 52.2 (iGlarLixi) vs. 37.2, 31.6, 23.5% (iGlar), respectively]. A higher initial screening HbA_1c corresponded with a greater mean reduction in HbA_1c for both treatment strategies. In all HbA_1c screening categories, the risk of hypoglycemia was not increased with iGlarLixi versus iGlar during the treatment phase.

CONCLUSION

iGlarLixi controlled HbA_1c levels more effectively than iGlar across all HbA_1c screening subgroups and in the overall study population without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02058160.

FUNDING

Sanofi.

An Evaluation of the Clinical Therapeutic Effect of Lixisenatide in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

With cardiovascular disease accounting for approximately 50% of deaths in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is pertinent to initiate anti-diabetic medications with cardiovascular benefits. This systematic clinical review critically examines the clinical therapeutic effect of lixisenatide.

METHODS

Data were gathered from articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline from 2010 - 2017, with the following search terms, "lixisenatide" and "GLP-1 receptor agonist". Studies written in the English language were included.

RESULTS

Thirteen clinical studies which evaluated the efficacy of lixisenatide were analyzed. Results from these studies showed that lixisenatide is an effective monotherapy in the reduction of glycated hemoglobin (A1C), Postprandial Glucose (PPG) and Fasting Blood Glucose (FPG). As an add-on therapy to metformin or sulfonylureas and insulin, it was found to be clinically effective compared to placebo. In all reviewed trials, there were higher proportions of patients who achieved A1C < 7% or < 6.5% compared to placebo without a corresponding increase in weight. Finally, the use of lixisenatide was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most common adverse events in all lixisenatide groups were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Lixisenatide appears to be safe and effective therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not associated with either the risk of cardiovascular events or symptomatic hypoglycemia. Finally, lixisenatide may be best used as an adjunct therapy for patients who are inadequately controlled with other diabetic medications, or select group of patients at risk of insulin induced obesity, hypertension or heart failure.

Lixisenatide reduces amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation in an APP/PS1/tau mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as a high risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The impairment of insulin signaling has been found in AD brain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone, normalises insulin signaling and acts as a neuroprotective growth factor. We have previously shown that the long-lasting GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist lixisenatide plays an important role in memory formation, synaptic plasticity and cell proliferation of rats. In the follow-up study, we analysed the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of lixisenatide, injected for 60 days at 10 nmol/kg i.p. once daily in APP/PS1/tau female mice and C57BL/6J female mice (as control) aged 12 month. The results showed that lixisenatide could reduce amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation in the hippocampi of 12-month-old APP/PS1/tau female mice; activation of PKA-CREB signaling pathway and inhibition of p38-MAPK might be the important mechanisms in the neuroprotective function of lixisenatide. The study demonstrated that GLP-1R agonists such as lixisenatide might have the potential to be developed as a novel therapy for AD.

Satisfaction of switching to combination therapy with lixisenatide and basal insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving multiple daily insulin injection therapy: A randomized controlled trial

Aims/Introduction

We compared the satisfaction levels of patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing combination therapy with lixisenatide (LIX) and basal insulin with that of patients undergoing multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) therapy.

Materials and Methods

The study was a 12‐week open‐label, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial. Participants were Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving MDI for >3 months. Patients were randomly assigned to each treatment cohort: (i) a group that continued MDI (MDI group); and (ii) a group that switched from MDI to combination therapy with LIX and basal insulin (LIX group). The primary outcome was change in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores from baseline to 12 weeks between these two groups. Key secondary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin and body weight changes.

Results

A total of 31 patients were initially enrolled in the study, and 26 of them completed the study. The change in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores in the LIX group was significantly greater compared with that in the MDI group. Mean changes in glycated hemoglobin levels were −0.05 ± 0.37% in the MDI group and 0.04 ± 0.38% in the LIX group (P = 0.36). Mean changes in body weight were +0.6 ± 1.8 kg in the MDI group and −2.5 ± 1.8 kg in the LIX group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Switching from MDI to combination therapy with LIX and basal insulin improved satisfaction levels while maintaining glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of lixisenatide in combination with oral antidiabetic treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: An open-label, multicenter study

AIM/INTRODUCTION

To assess the overall safety and efficacy of lixisenatide in combination with background oral antidiabetic drug treatment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, as required by Japanese guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A phase 3, multicenter, uncontrolled, open-label, four-arm, parallel-group study of Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes was carried out; patients received once-daily lixisenatide in combination with biguanide, thiazolidinedione, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors or glinide (NCT01940965). The primary end-point was safety over 52 weeks; secondary end-points included absolute change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin A1c at weeks 24 and 52.

RESULTS

A total of 294 patients were enrolled (biguanide, thiazolidinedione, alpha-glucosidase groups: 73 patients each; glinide group: 75 patients). Overall, 90.4% of patients in the biguanide group, 83.6% in the thiazolidinedione group, 83.6% in the alpha-glucosidase group and 85.3% in the glinide group reported one or more treatment-emergent adverse event, the most common of which were nasopharingitis, nausea and constipation. Symptomatic hypoglycemia was reported in 5.5, 0, 1.4, and 10.7% of patients in the biguanide, thiazolidinedione, alpha-glucosidase and glinide groups, respectively. No severe hypoglycemia was observed. Hemoglobin A1c decreased from baseline at weeks 24 and 52, with mean changes ranging from -0.98 to -1.22%, and from -0.80 to -1.08%, respectively, across all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lixisenatide treatment administered daily over 52 weeks was well tolerated and effective in improving glycemic control in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled with existing oral antidiabetic drug therapies. The use of lixisenatide in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs is a valuable treatment option for Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes after failure of oral antidiabetic treatment alone.

Switch to Combined GLP1 Receptor Agonist Lixisenatide with Basal Insulin Glargine in Poorly Controlled T2DM Patients with Premixed Insulin Therapy: A Clinical Observation and Pilot Study in Nine Patients

INTRODUCTION

To prove the feasibility and safety of a conversion to once-daily injected GLP1 agonist (lixisenatide) and long-acting basal insulin analogue (glargine) in patients with T2DM and poorly controlled glycemia previously treated with multiple injections of premixed insulins (iPremix) in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

Nine patients with T2DM currently receiving iPremix formulations and poor glycemic control were switched to once-daily injected lixisenatide (Lixi) and basal insulin analogue glargine (iGlar) for a 12-week period. Efficacy was defined as A1c reduction of at least 0.4% and weight loss of 0.5 kg or higher.

RESULTS

Five of nine patients achieved A1c reductions of 0.4% (4 mmol/mol) or higher and six of nine patients a weight loss of 0.5 kg or higher. A mean A1C reduction of 0.5% ± 0.5% (6 mmol/mol) and mean weight loss of -1.4 ± 3.6 kg were observed in all patients. Total daily insulin dose after 12 weeks declined from 56 ± 26 IU with iPremix formulations to 47 ± 17 IU in patients taking combined iGlar and Lixi. Corrections with fast acting insulin glulisine (iGlu) were necessary in two patients on a regular basis and in four patients on an irregular basis (2.3 IU mean total daily dose). Two patients did not need additional iGlu. Postprandial glucose profiles were lower in the combined group compared with iPremix throughout the day, which resolved in the afternoon. No metabolic derangements occurred. Mild hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most often reported adverse events affecting three patients.

CONCLUSION

The conversion to once-daily injected GLP1 agonist Lixi and basal iGlar could safely be performed in an outpatient setting and was associated with better postprandial glycemic control throughout the day, except dinner, compared to iPremix.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

EU clinical trials register EudraCT number 2013-005334-37 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02168491.

FUNDING

Sponsored by the Medical University of Vienna and in part supported by Sanofi-Aventis.

Evaluating drug cost per responder and number needed to treat associated with lixisenatide on top of glargine when compared to rapid-acting insulin intensification regimens on top of glargine, in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK, Italy, and Spain

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the cost per responder and number needed to treat (NNT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients for lixisenatide compared to insulin intensification regimens using composite endpoints in the UK, Italy, and Spain.

METHODS

Efficacy and safety outcomes were obtained from GetGoal Duo-2, a 26-week phase 3 trial comparing lixisenatide vs insulin glulisine (IG) once daily (QD) and three times daily (TID). Response at week 26 was extrapolated to 52 weeks, assuming a maintained treatment effect, based on long-term evidence in other T2DM populations. Responders were defined using composite end-points, based on an HbA1c threshold and/or no weight gain and/or no hypoglycemia. The HbA1c threshold was varied in sensitivity analyses. Annual treatment costs were estimated in euros (1 GBP = 1.26 EUR), including drug acquisition and resource use costs. Cost per responder was computed by dividing annual treatment costs per patient by the proportion of responders.

RESULTS

Lixisenatide was associated with the lowest cost per responder for all composite end-points that included a weight-related component. For the main composite end-point of HbA1c ≤7.5% AND no weight gain AND no symptomatic hypoglycemia, cost per responder results were: UK: 6,867€, 8,746€, and 12,410€; Italy: 7,057€, 9,160€, and 12,844€; Spain: 8,370€, 11,365€, and 17,038€, for lixisenatide, IG QD, and TID, respectively. The NNT analysis showed that, for every 6.85 and 5.86 patients treated with lixisenatide, there was approximately one additional responder compared to IG QD and TID, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

A limitation of the clinical inputs is the lack of 52-week trial data from GetGoal Duo-2, which led to the assumption of a maintained treatment effect from week 26 to 52.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests lixisenatide is an efficient economic resource allocation in the UK, Italy, and Spain.