Maria Alba

Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin monotherapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise

Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor in development for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The efficacy and safety of canagliflozin were evaluated in subjects with T2DM inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.

Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin as an add-on to metformin therapy in patients with moderately severe (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 8.0% and ≤ 11.0%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Research design and methods: This was a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind study conducted in 190 patients with T2DM. After ≥ 6 weeks of stable metformin monotherapy (≥ 1500 mg/day), patients were randomized to either the addition of sitagliptin 100 mg once daily or placebo to ongoing metformin for 30 weeks. Main outcome measures: The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measured after 18 weeks of sitagliptin treatment. Key secondary endpoints included reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour (2-h) postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) at 18 weeks, and HbA1c at 30 weeks. The proportion of patients meeting the goal of HbA1c < 7.0% was also analyzed. Results: Sitagliptin significantly reduced HbA1c, FPG, and 2-h PPG, compared with placebo (all p < 0.001). The net improvement in HbA1c was –1.0% at both 18 and 30 weeks, and a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with sitagliptin achieved HbA1c < 7.0% by the end of the study (22.1% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Sitagliptin was well-tolerated. Compared with placebo, sitagliptin had a neutral effect on body weight and did not significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia or gastrointestinal adverse events. Conclusions: Addition of sitagliptin 100 mg once daily to ongoing metformin therapy was well-tolerated and resulted in significant glycemic improvement in patients with moderately severe T2DM who were treated for 30 weeks. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00337610.

Effects of MK-0941, a Novel Glucokinase Activator, on Glycemic Control in Insulin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of MK-0941, a glucokinase activator (GKA), when added to stable-dose insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this double-blind study, 587 patients taking stable-dose insulin glargine (±metformin ≥1,500 mg/day) were randomized (1:1:1:1:1) to MK-0941 10, 20, 30, or 40 mg or matching placebo t.i.d. before meals (a.c.). This study included an initial 14-week, dose-ranging phase followed by a 40-week treatment phase during which patients were to be uptitrated as tolerated to 40 mg (or placebo) t.i.d. a.c. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in A1C at Week 14. RESULTS At Week 14, A1C and 2-h postmeal glucose (PMG) improved significantly versus placebo with all MK-0941 doses. Maximal placebo-adjusted least squares mean changes from baseline in A1C (baseline A1C 9.0%) and 2-h PMG were −0.8% and −37 mg/dL (−2 mmol/L), respectively. No significant effects on fasting plasma glucose were observed at any dose versus placebo. By 30 weeks, the initial glycemic responses noted at 14 weeks were not sustained. MK-0941 at one or more doses was associated with significant increases in the incidence of hypoglycemia, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and proportion of patients meeting criteria for predefined limits of change for increased diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS In patients receiving stable-dose insulin glargine, the GKA MK-0941 led to improvements in glycemic control that were not sustained. MK-0941 was associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia and elevations in triglycerides and blood pressure.

Efficacy and Safety of Canagliflozin, an Inhibitor of Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2, When Used in Conjunction With Insulin Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE There are limited data about the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors when used with insulin. We report the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes using insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The CANagliflozin CardioVascular Assessment Study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that randomized participants to placebo, canagliflozin 100 mg, or canagliflozin 300 mg once daily, added to a range of therapies. The primary end point of this substudy was the change in HbA1c from baseline at 18 weeks among patients using insulin; 52-week effects were also examined. RESULTS Individuals receiving insulin at baseline were randomized to receive placebo (n = 690), canagliflozin 100 mg (n = 692), or canagliflozin 300 mg (n = 690). These individuals were 66% male and had a median age of 63 years, mean HbA1c of 8.3% (67 mmol/mol), BMI of 33.1 kg/m2, estimated glomerular filtration rate of 75 mL/min/1.73 m2, fasting plasma glucose of 9.2 mmol/L, and a median daily insulin dose of 60 IU. Most individuals were using basal/bolus insulin. Reductions in HbA1c with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo were −0.62% (95% CI −0.69, −0.54; −6.8 mmol/mol [95% CI −7.5, −5.9]; P < 0.001) and −0.73% (95% CI −0.81, −0.65; −8.0 mmol/mol [95% CI −8.9, −7.1]; P < 0.001) at 18 weeks and −0.58% (95% CI −0.68, −0.48; −6.3 mmol/mol [95% CI −7.4, −5.2]) and −0.73% (95% CI −0.83, −0.63; −8.0 mmol/mol [95% CI −9.1, −6.9]) at 52 weeks. There were significant falls in fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and blood pressure at both time points and there was a greater incidence of hypoglycemia, genital mycotic infections, and hypovolemia with both canagliflozin doses. CONCLUSIONS Canagliflozin added to insulin therapy improved glycemic control and decreased body weight. There was a greater frequency of several anticipated side effects, although few led to discontinuation of treatment.

Long-term efficacy and safety of canagliflozin monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet and exercise: findings from the 52-week CANTATA-M study

Abstract Objective: Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The long-term efficacy and safety of canagliflozin monotherapy were evaluated over 52 weeks in patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with diet and exercise. Research design and methods: This randomized, double-blind, Phase 3 study included a placebo-controlled, 26-week core period (canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg vs placebo) and an active-controlled, 26-week extension (blinded switch of placebo-treated patients to sitagliptin 100 mg [placebo/sitagliptin]). Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01081834. Main outcome measures: Efficacy endpoints assessed at 52 weeks included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and systolic blood pressure (BP); and percentage changes in body weight and fasting plasma lipids. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study. Efficacy data are reported for canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg (placebo/sitagliptin group was used to maintain the double-blind and to serve as a control group for safety purposes; not as an efficacy comparator); safety data are reported for canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo/sitagliptin. Results: Efficacy analyses included 451 patients who were randomized and dosed, entered the extension, and did not receive rescue therapy during the core period. Safety analyses included 584 patients who were randomized and dosed. At Week 52, canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg provided dose-related decreases from baseline in HbA1c of −0.81% and −1.11%. Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg decreased FPG (−1.5 and −2.2 mmol/L [−27.4 and −39.1 mg/dL]), body weight (−3.3% and −4.4%), and systolic BP (−1.4 and −3.9 mmHg); decreased triglycerides and increased HDL-C and LDL-C were also seen. Over 52 weeks, overall AE rates were 67.2%, 66.0%, and 64.1% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo/sitagliptin; rates of serious AEs and AE-related discontinuations were low across groups. Compared with placebo/sitagliptin, canagliflozin was associated with higher rates of genital mycotic infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis; these led to few discontinuations. Rates of volume depletion AEs and documented hypoglycemia were low across groups. Conclusions: Canagliflozin monotherapy provided sustained improvement in glycemic control and body weight reduction, and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM over 52 weeks.

Mechanisms for the Antihyperglycemic Effect of Sitagliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

CONTEXT Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The underlying mechanisms (incretin effect, β-cell function, endogenous glucose production) are not well known. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine mechanisms of the antihyperglycemic effect of DPP-4 inhibitors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS We administered a mixed meal with glucose tracers ([6,6-(2)H(2)]-glucose infused, [1-(2)H]-glucose ingested), and on a separate day, a glucose infusion matched the glucose responses to the meal (isoglycemic test) in 50 type 2 diabetes patients (hemoglobin A(1c) = 7.4 ± 0.8%) and seven controls; 47 diabetic completers were restudied after 6 wk. Glucose fluxes were calculated, and β-cell function was assessed by mathematical modeling. The incretin effect was calculated as the ratio of oral to iv insulin secretion. INTERVENTION We conducted a 6-wk, double-blind, randomized treatment with sitagliptin (100 mg/d; n = 25) or placebo (n = 22). RESULTS Relative to placebo, meal-induced changes in fasting glucose and glucose area under the curve (AUC) were greater with sitagliptin, in parallel with a lower appearance of oral glucose [difference (post-pre) AUC = -353 ± 915 vs. +146 ± 601 μmol · kg(-1) · 5 h] and greater suppression of endogenous glucose production. Insulin sensitivity improved 10%, whereas total insulin secretion was unchanged. During the meal, β-cell glucose sensitivity improved (+19[29] vs. 5[21] pmol · min(-1) · m(-2) · mm(-1); median [interquartile range]) and glucagon AUC decreased (19.6 ± 7.5 to 17.3 ± 7.1 ng · ml(-1) · 5 h), whereas intact glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 AUC increased with sitagliptin vs. placebo. The incretin effect was unchanged because sitagliptin increased β-cell glucose sensitivity also during the isoglycemic test. CONCLUSIONS Chronic sitagliptin treatment improves glycemic control by lowering the appearance of oral glucose, postprandial endogenous glucose release, and glucagon response, and by improving insulin sensitivity and β-cell glucose sensing in response to both oral and iv glucose.

Efficacy and Safety of Canagliflozin, a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, as Add-on to Insulin in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, as add-on to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This 18-week, double-blind, phase 2 study randomized 351 patients (HbA1c 7.0–9.0% [53–75 mmol/mol]) on multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo. The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving at week 18 both HbA1c reduction from baseline of ≥0.4% (≥4.4 mmol/mol) and no increase in body weight. Other end points included changes in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose, as well as hypoglycemia incidence. Safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) reports. RESULTS More patients had both HbA1c reduction ≥0.4% and no increase in body weight with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo at week 18 (36.9%, 41.4%, 14.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). Both canagliflozin doses provided reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose versus placebo over 18 weeks. The incidence of hypoglycemia was similar across groups; severe hypoglycemia rates were low (1.7–6.8%). Overall incidence of AEs was 55.6%, 67.5%, and 54.7% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo; discontinuation rates were low (0.9–1.3%). Increased incidence of ketone-related AEs (5.1%, 9.4%, 0%), including the specific AE of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (4.3%, 6.0%, 0%), was seen with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS Canagliflozin provided reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and insulin dose with no increase in hypoglycemia, but increased rates of ketone-related AEs, including DKA, in adults with type 1 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin.

Canagliflozin: a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin is a novel treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In patients with hyperglycemia, SGLT2 inhibition lowers plasma glucose levels by reducing the renal threshold for glucose (RTG) and increasing urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Increased UGE is also associated with a mild osmotic diuresis and net caloric loss, which can lead to reductions in body weight and blood pressure (BP). After promising results from preclinical and phase I/II studies, the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin was evaluated in a comprehensive phase III development program in over 10,000 patients with T2DM on various background therapies. Canagliflozin improved glycemic control and provided reductions in body weight and BP versus placebo and active comparators in studies of up to 2 years’ duration. Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, with higher incidences of adverse events (AEs) related to the mechanism of action, including genital mycotic infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis. Results from the preclinical and clinical studies led canagliflozin to be the first‐in‐class SGLT2 inhibitor approved in the United States, and support canagliflozin as a safe and effective therapeutic option across a broad range of patients with T2DM.

The addition of sitagliptin to ongoing metformin therapy significantly improves glycemic control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background:  The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of sitagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who failed to achieve adequate glycemic control with metformin monotherapy.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Canagliflozin, a Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with canagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, as an add-on to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this 18-week, randomized, double-blind, phase 2 study, patients (N = 351; HbA1c 7.0–9.0% [53–75 mmol/mol]) on multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo once daily. The incidence of ketone-related AEs, defined as any event from a prespecified list of preferred terms (i.e., acidosis, blood ketone body increased, blood ketone body present, DKA, diabetic ketoacidotic hyperglycemic coma, ketoacidosis, ketonemia, ketonuria, ketosis, metabolic acidosis, urine ketone body present), including serious AEs of DKA, was assessed based on AE reports. RESULTS At week 18, the incidence of any ketone-related AE with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg was 5.1% (n = 6 of 117) and 9.4% (n = 11 of 117), respectively; no patients in the placebo group experienced a ketone-related AE. The incidence of serious AEs of DKA was 4.3% (n = 5 of 117) with canagliflozin 100 mg and 6.0% (n = 7 of 117) with canagliflozin 300 mg; all serious events occurred in the presence of circumstances that are known to potentially precipitate DKA (e.g., infection, insulin pump failure). Among the 12 patients with a serious AE of DKA, blood glucose levels ranged from 9.4 to >44.4 mmol/L (170 to >800 mg/dL). Baseline characteristics were generally similar in patients with and without a ketone-related AE. CONCLUSIONS Canagliflozin was associated with an increased incidence of serious AEs of DKA in patients with type 1 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin. Mitigation strategies are needed for use in future clinical trials to reduce the risk of DKA with canagliflozin treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes.