Albert Fung

Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin treatment in older subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized trial.

Abstract Introduction: Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor developed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study (www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01106651) evaluated the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin therapy in older subjects (aged 55–80 years) with T2DM inadequately controlled on their current regimen of blood glucose–lowering agents (any approved oral or injectable treatment). Methods: Subjects (N = 716) aged 55 to 80 years (mean, 63.6 years) with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥ 7.0% to ≤ 10.0% were randomized. Seven hundred fourteen received canagliflozin 100 mg or 300 mg or placebo (1:1:1) daily. The prespecified primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c level at week 26. Prespecified secondary endpoints included proportion of subjects achieving HbA1c levels < 7.0%, change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level and systolic blood pressure (BP), and percent change from baseline in body weight, triglyceride levels, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Adverse events (AEs) were reported throughout the study. Results: At week 26, treatment with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared with placebo (−0.60%, corresp0.73%, corresp0.03%, respectively; P < 0.001); more subjects achieved HbA1c levels < 7.0%) with both canagliflozin doses compared with placebo (P < 0.001). Both canagliflozin doses significantly reduced body weight, FPG level, and systolic BP, and increased HDL-C level compared with placebo (P < 0.001); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was increased with both canagliflozin doses compared with placebo. The overall AE incidence was slightly higher with canagliflozin 300 mg than with canagliflozin 100 mg or placebo (78.0%), 72.2%), 73.4%o, respectively). Serious AE and AE-related discontinuation rates were low across groups. Both canagliflozin doses were associated with higher rates than placebo of genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and osmotic diuresis–related AEs (ie, pollakiuria, polyuria). Documented hypoglycemia rates were modestly higher with both canagliflozin doses compared with placebo. Conclusion: Canagliflozin improved glycemic control, reduced body weight and systolic BP, and was generally well tolerated in older subjects with T2DM who were on background therapy with a variety of blood glucose–lowering agents.

Long-term efficacy and safety of canagliflozin over 104 weeks in patients aged 55–80 years with type 2 diabetes

The long‐term efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, was evaluated over 104 weeks in patients aged 55–80 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on a stable antihyperglycaemic agent regimen.

Genital mycotic infections with canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pooled analysis of clinical studies

Abstract Objective: To characterize genital mycotic infections with canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using pooled data from Phase 3 studies. Research design and methods: Genital mycotic infections with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg were evaluated in Population 1 (N = 2313; mean exposure [weeks]: canagliflozin, 24.3; placebo, 23.8), including patients from four placebo-controlled studies, and Population 2 (N = 9439; mean exposure [weeks]: canagliflozin, 68.1; control, 64.4), including patients from eight placebo/active-controlled studies (including older patients and those with renal impairment or high cardiovascular disease risk). Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01081834. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01106625. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01106677. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01106690. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01032629. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01064414. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01106651. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00968812. Main outcome measures: Adverse events suggestive of genital mycotic infections were recorded, with additional information collected using supplemental electronic case report forms. Results: In Population 1, genital mycotic infection incidence was higher with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg than placebo (95% confidence intervals excluded zero) in females (10.4%, 11.4%, 3.2%) and males (4.2%, 3.7%, 0.6%). These were generally mild to moderate in intensity, none were serious, and few led to discontinuation. Most events with canagliflozin were treated with antifungal therapies, and median symptom duration following treatment initiation was similar across groups; few patients had >1 event (females, 2.3%; males, 0.9%). Findings with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus control were similar in Population 2 (females: 14.7%, 13.9%, 3.1%; males: 7.3%, 9.3%, 1.6%); a low proportion of males underwent circumcision across groups. Most events with canagliflozin occurred within the first 4 months in females and first year in males; no consistent evidence of dose dependence was observed. Key limitations included lack of laboratory confirmation for most events and variable treatment methods. Conclusions: Genital mycotic infection incidences were higher with canagliflozin than control in patients with T2DM; events were generally mild to moderate in intensity and responded to standard treatments.

Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Biomarkers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Canagliflozin

CONTEXT Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). OBJECTIVE Our objective is to describe the effects of canagliflozin on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone biomarkers in patients with T2DM. DESIGN This was a randomized study, consisting of a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled period and a 78-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled extension. SETTING This study was undertaken in 90 centers in 17 countries. PATIENTS Patients were aged 55-80 years (N = 716) and whose T2DM was inadequately controlled on a stable antihyperglycemic regimen. INTERVENTIONS Canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo were administered once daily. OUTCOME AND MEASURES BMD was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at weeks 26, 52, and 104. Bone strength was assessed using quantitative computed tomography and finite element analysis at week 52. Serum collagen type 1 β-carboxy-telopeptide, osteocalcin, and estradiol were assessed at weeks 26 and 52. RESULTS Canagliflozin doses of 100 and 300 mg were associated with a decrease in total hip BMD over 104 weeks, (placebo-subtracted changes: -0.9% and -1.2%, respectively), but not at other sites measured (femoral neck, lumbar spine, or distal forearm). No meaningful changes in bone strength were observed. At week 52, canagliflozin was associated with an increase in collagen type 1 β-carboxy-telopeptide that was significantly correlated with a reduction in body weight, an increase in osteocalcin, and, in women, a decrease in estradiol. CONCLUSIONS In older patients with T2DM, canagliflozin showed small but significant reductions in total hip BMD and increases in bone formation and resorption biomarkers, due at least in part to weight loss.

Urinary Tract Infection in Randomized Phase III Studies of Canagliflozin, a Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor

Abstract Background: Canaglifozin, a sodium glucose co–transporter 2 inhibitor, lowers plasma glucose in individuals with hyperglycemia by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption and increasing glucosuria. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were characterized in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in Phase III studies of canaglifozin. Methods: Analyses were performed in 2 pooled datasets: Population 1 (N = 2313; mean exposure [weeks]: canaglifozin, 24.3; placebo, 23.8) including patients from 4 placebo–controlled studies; Population 2 (N = 9439; mean exposure [weeks]: canaglifozin, 68.1; control, 64.4) including patients from 8 placebo– and active–controlled studies (including patients with renal impairment or high risk of cardiovascular disease, and older patients). Individual studies in special patient populations and 2 active–controlled studies were analyzed separately. Patients with a prior history of UTIs were not excluded from these studies. Urinary tract infection frequency and characteristics were systematically collected, with additional information for each event collected using supplemental electronic case report forms. Results: In Populations 1 and 2, canaglifozin 100 and 300 mg were associated with small increases in the incidence of UTIs compared with control, with no dose–dependence. Urinary tract infections with canaglifozin were similar to those with control in severity, and upper UTIs were infrequent across groups. No increase in serious events or those leading to discontinuation were seen with canagliflozin versus control. Time to the first occurrence of symptomatic UTIs tended to be earlier with canagliflozin than placebo in Population 1, and similar with canagliflozin and control in Population 2; median duration of events was similar across groups in both populations. The proportion of patients with recurrent events was low across groups. Conclusion: Canagliflozin was associated with a small increase in incidence of UTIs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with no increase in serious or upper UTIs.

Safety and tolerability of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: pooled analysis of phase 3 study results.

Abstract Background: Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor developed for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The safety/tolerability profile of canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg over 26 weeks was assessed using an integrated analysis of data pooled from 4 placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies representing a broad range of patients with T2DM (N = 2313; mean age, 56.0 years; glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], 8.0%; body mass index, 32.1 kg/m2; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 88.1 mL/min/1.73 m2) on various prespecified background diabetes mellitus treatments. Safety/tolerability evaluations included adverse event (AE) reporting, with additional data collection prespecified for selected AEs, and assessments of renal-related, lipid, and other safety laboratory parameters. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01081834; NCT01106625; NCT01106677; NCT01106690. Results: The overall incidence of AEs was similar with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo; incidences of serious AEs and AEs leading to study discontinuation were low across groups. Canagliflozin was associated with higher incidences than placebo of genital mycotic infections and osmotic diuresis–related AEs; these were generally considered by the investigator to be mild to moderate in intensity and infrequently led to discontinuation. Canagliflozin was associated with transient reductions in estimated glomerular filtration rate that trended toward baseline over the assessment period; incidences of renal-related AEs were low across groups. Dose-related increases in the incidence of hypoglycemia episodes were seen with canagliflozin versus placebo in patients on background sulfonylurea; incidences of severe hypoglycemia were low across groups. Hypoglycemia incidence was low overall in patients not on background sulfonylurea, but slightly higher with canagliflozin versus placebo. Relative to placebo, favorable changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were seen with canagliflozin; increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also seen. Canagliflozin was associated with small changes in other safety laboratory parameters that were not clinically meaningful. Conclusions: Canagliflozin as monotherapy and as combination therapy was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled on their current diabetes mellitus treatment.

Effect of Canagliflozin on Blood Pressure and Adverse Events Related to Osmotic Diuresis and Reduced Intravascular Volume in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The effects of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, on blood pressure (BP) and osmotic diuresis– and intravascular volume reduction–related adverse events (AEs) were evaluated using pooled data from four placebo‐controlled, phase 3 studies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; N=2313). At baseline, 1332 (57.6%) patients were taking an antihypertensive medication. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg provided reductions (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline in systolic BP (SBP) compared with placebo (−4.3 mm Hg [−5.0 to −3.5], −5.0 mm Hg [−5.8 to −4.2], and −0.3 mm Hg [−1.2 to 0.5], respectively) and in diastolic BP (DBP; −2.5 mm Hg [−2.9 to −2.0], −2.4 mm Hg [−2.9 to −1.9], and −0.6 mm Hg [−1.1 to −0.02], respectively). Placebo‐subtracted reductions (95% CI) in SBP with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were −4.0 mm Hg (−5.1 to −2.8) and −4.7 mm Hg (−5.8 to −3.5) and reductions in DBP were −1.9 mm Hg (−2.6 to −1.2) and −1.9 mm Hg (−2.6 to –1.1), respectively. Compared with the overall population, patients with elevated baseline SBP (≥140 mm Hg) had numerically greater absolute SBP reductions (95% CI) with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg and placebo (−12.8 mm Hg [−15.2 to −10.5], −14.2 mm Hg [−16.4 to −12.0], and −6.8 mm Hg [−9.1 to −4.5], respectively). Numerically greater DBP reductions were seen in patients with DBP ≥90 mm Hg at baseline (−5.9 mm Hg [−8.2 to −3.6], −9.0 mm Hg [−11.1 to −6.9], and −7.4 mm Hg [−9.6 to −5.1], respectively). In patients with elevated SBP at baseline, placebo‐subtracted reductions (95% CI) in SBP with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were −6.0 mm Hg (−9.1 to −2.9) and −7.4 mm Hg (−10.4 to −4.4), respectively. Placebo‐subtracted changes in DBP were 1.5 mm Hg (−1.6 to 4.5) and −1.6 mm Hg (−4.5 to 1.2), respectively, in those with elevated DBP at baseline. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg were associated with increased incidence of osmotic diuresis–related AEs (eg, pollakiuria [increased urine volume] and polyuria [increased urine frequency]) vs placebo (6.7%, 5.6%, and 0.8%). The incidence of intravascular volume reduction–related AEs (eg, orthostatic hypotension and postural dizziness) was low across groups (1.2%, 1.3%, and 1.1%). In summary, canagliflozin was associated with reduced BP in patients with T2DM across a range of baseline BPs, with increased incidence of AEs related to osmotic diuresis but not intravascular volume reduction.

The effects of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, on mineral metabolism and bone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by increasing urinary glucose excretion. This review provides a comprehensive summary of preclinical and clinical data on the effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin on mineral balance and bone. Methods: Published articles and internal study reports through November 2015 were included. Results: In clinical studies, canagliflozin was not associated with meaningful changes in serum or urine calcium, parathyroid hormone, or vitamin D. Canagliflozin was associated with increases in serum magnesium and phosphate without changes in their urinary excretion. Increases in serum collagen type-1 beta-carboxy-telopeptide (beta-CTX), a bone resorption marker, and osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, were observed with canagliflozin. Decreases in total hip bone mineral density (BMD) of up to 1.2% were seen with canagliflozin after 2 years; no changes in BMD were seen at other skeletal sites. Changes in total hip BMD and serum beta-CTX with canagliflozin correlated with decreases in body weight. In a clinical program-wide analysis, canagliflozin was associated with increased fracture risk that was driven by a higher incidence in the cardiovascular safety study (CANVAS), with no fracture imbalance seen in pooled data from other Phase 3 studies. The fracture imbalance occurred within 12 weeks after initiating treatment, most frequently in the distal portion of the upper and lower extremities. Conclusions: Across clinical studies, canagliflozin did not meaningfully affect calcium homeostasis or hormones regulating calcium homeostasis. Increases in bone turnover markers and decreases in BMD at the total hip, but not at other sites, that correlated with weight loss were seen with canagliflozin. Canagliflozin was associated with a higher fracture incidence within 12 weeks, primarily in distal extremities. Data from ongoing canagliflozin studies will provide additional information on fracture risk.

Effects of canagliflozin on body weight and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes over 104 weeks

ABSTRACT Objectives: Canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has been associated with weight loss in a broad range of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This analysis further evaluated changes in body weight and composition with canagliflozin in two 104-week, Phase 3 studies. Methods: In Study 1, patients aged 18–80 years (N = 1,450) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or glimepiride as add-on to metformin for a 52-week core treatment period, followed by a 52-week extension period. In Study 2, patients aged 55–80 years (N = 714) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo added to stable background antihyperglycemic agents for a 26-week core treatment period, followed by a 78-week extension period. Percent change from baseline in body weight; proportion of patients with any weight loss, ≥5% weight loss, and ≥10% weight loss; change in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference; change in body weight across weight-loss quartiles; and changes in body composition were evaluated in both studies. Results: Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided sustained weight loss versus either glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks. More patients experienced any weight loss and ≥5% weight loss with canagliflozin versus comparator. Across the 3 highest weight-loss quartiles, canagliflozin provided greater weight loss versus glimepiride or placebo. BMI and waist circumference reductions were observed with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus either glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks; more patients had BMI or waist circumference reductions with canagliflozin versus comparator. Body composition analysis indicated that the majority of weight loss was due to loss of fat mass. Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, with increased incidence of adverse events related to the SGLT2 inhibition mechanism. Conclusions: Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided sustained reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in a greater proportion of patients with T2DM versus glimepiride or placebo over 104 weeks. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00968812, NCT01106651

Efficacy and safety of titrated canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin and sitagliptin

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of titrated canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on metformin and sitagliptin.