Microvascular and Cardiovascular Outcomes According to Renal Function in Patients Treated With Once-Weekly Exenatide: Insights From the EXSCEL Trial

Therapies for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease Associated with Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and is the clinical manifestation of the atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL-cholesterol levels are the first line of therapy but the increasing prevalence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has positioned the cardiometabolic risk as the most relevant parameter for treatment. Therefore, the control of this risk, characterized by dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance, has become a major goal in many experimental and clinical studies in the context of CVD. In the present review, we summarized experimental studies and clinical trials of recent anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering therapies targeted to reduce CVD. Specifically, incretin-based therapies, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 inactivating therapies are described. Moreover, the novel molecular mechanisms explaining the CVD protection of the drugs reviewed here indicate major effects on vascular cells, inflammatory cells, and cardiomyocytes, beyond their expected anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering control. The revealed key mechanism is a prevention of acute cardiovascular events by restraining atherosclerosis at early stages, with decreased leukocyte adhesion, recruitment, and foam cell formation, and increased plaque stability and diminished necrotic core in advanced plaques. These emergent cardiometabolic therapies have a promising future to reduce CVD burden.

HbA1c Change and Diabetic Retinopathy During GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Cardiovascular Outcome Trials: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Long-term glycemic control reduces retinopathy risk, but transient worsening can occur with glucose control intensification. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) lower glucose, but the long-term impact on retinopathy is unknown. GLP-1RA cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) provide long-term follow-up, allowing examination of retinopathy outcomes.

PURPOSE

To examine the associations between retinopathy, HbA_1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and weight in GLP-1RA CVOTs.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic review identified six placebo-controlled GLP-1RA CVOTs reporting prespecified retinopathy outcomes.

STUDY SELECTION

Published trial reports were used as the primary data sources.

DATA EXTRACTION

HbA_1c, SBP, and weight data throughout follow-up by treatment group were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Random-effects model meta-analysis showed no association between GLP-1RA treatment and retinopathy (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% CI 0.93, 1.30), with high heterogeneity between studies (I ² = 52.2%; Q statistic P = 0.063). Univariate meta-regression showed an association between retinopathy and average HbA_1c reduction during the overall follow-up (slope = 0.77, P = 0.007), but no relationship for SBP or weight. Sensitivity analyses for HbA_1c showed a relationship at 3 months (P = 0.006) and 1 year (P = 0.002). A 0.1% (1.09 mmol/mol) increase in HbA_1c reduction was associated with 6%, 14%, or 8% increased Ln(OR) for retinopathy at the 3-month, 1-year, and overall follow-up, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

CVOTs were not powered to assess retinopathy outcomes and differed in retinopathy-related criteria and methodology. The median follow-up of 3.4 years is short compared with the onset of retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA_1c reduction was significantly associated with increased retinopathy risk in meta-regression for GLP-1RA CVOTs. The magnitude of HbA_1c reduction was correlated with retinopathy risk in people with diabetes and additional cardiovascular risk factors, but the long-term impact of improved glycemic control on retinopathy was unmeasured in these studies. Retinopathy status should be assessed when intensifying glucose-lowering therapy.

The cost-effectiveness of once-weekly semaglutide compared with other GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 Diabetes: a systematic literature review

Introduction: As a novel glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment, the economic value of once-weekly semaglutide had been assessed in several country settings. The authors' objective was to systematically review the existing pharmacoeconomic literature evaluating the cost-effectiveness associated with once-weekly semaglutide compared with other GLP-1 RAs and provide implications for further researches.Areas covered: We conducted a systematic literature review of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) published up to 25 July 2020 in PubMed, web of science, and the ISPOR presentation database, compared once-weekly semaglutide with other GLP-1 RAs in T2D. Nineteen studies were identified, including 8 short-term and 11 long-term studies. General characteristics and main results of the included studies were summarized.Expert opinion: This review provided references for other countries to overview the value of once-weekly semaglutide compared with other GLP-1 RAs in T2D in the healthcare decision-making process and to conduct their CEA studies associated with once-weekly semaglutide. The authors found that the cardiovascular (CV) benefit of once-weekly semaglutide was under-estimated in current studies and suggested that the methods of economic evaluations for novel anti-diabetic drugs with CV benefit should be improved in future researches.

Effect of once-weekly exenatide on estimated glomerular filtration rate slope depends on baseline renal risk: A post hoc analysis of the EXSCEL trial

The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk are modest or neutral. However, GLP-1RAs may confer clinical benefits in those at high risk of progressive renal function loss. We examined the effects of once-weekly exenatide (EQW) on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) as a function of baseline UACR in 3503 EXSCEL participants (23.7%) with eGFR data available and 2828 participants (19.2%) with UACR change data available. EQW improved eGFR slope assessed via mixed model repeated measures, compared with placebo, in participants with baseline UACR >100 mg/g (0.79 mL/min/1.73 m² /year [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.24-1.34]) and UACR >200 mg/g (1.32 mL/min/1.73 m² /year [95% CI 0.57-2.06]), but not at lower UACR thresholds. EQW reduced UACR, compared with placebo, assessed via analysis of covariance, consistently across subgroups with baseline UACR >30 mg/g (28.2% reduction), baseline UACR >100 mg (22.5% reduction) and baseline UACR >200 mg (34.5% reduction). This post hoc EXSCEL analysis suggests that EQW reduces UACR, with improvement in eGFR slope specifically in participants with elevated baseline UACR.

Exenatide and Renal Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular outcomes in clinical trials with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist can have a beneficial effect on the kidney. This trial aimed to assess the effects of exenatide on renal outcomes in patients with T2DM and diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

We performed a randomized parallel study encompassing 4 general hospitals. T2DM patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and macroalbuminuria, defined as 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) >0.3 g/24 h were randomized 1:1 to receive exenatide twice daily plus insulin glargine (intervention group) or insulin lispro plus glargine (control group) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the UAER percentage change from the baseline after 24 weeks of intervention. The rates of hypoglycemia, adverse events (AEs), and change in eGFR during the follow-up were measured as safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Between March 2016 and April 2019, 92 patients were randomized and took at least 1 dose of the study drug. The mean age of the participants was 56 years. At baseline, the median UAER was 1,512.0 mg/24 h and mean eGFR was 70.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. After 24 weeks of treatment, the UAER percentage change was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.0255). Moreover, the body weight declined by 1.3 kg in the intervention group (the difference between the 2 groups was 2.7 kg, p = 0.0001). Compared to the control group, a lower frequency of hypoglycemia and more gastrointestinal AEs were observed in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Exenatide plus insulin glargine treatment for 24 weeks resulted in a reduction of albuminuria in T2DM patients with DKD.

Novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) involves multifaceted pathophysiology which increases the risk of cardiorenal events and mortality. Conventional therapy is limited to renin-angiotensin aldosterone system inhibition and management of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated promising nephroprotective effects of antihyperglycemic agents thus modifying guideline treatment recommendations for type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.

AREAS OF COVERED

Relevant studies and clinical trials were searched via PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov through August 2020. Authors offer an update on clinical evidence regarding nephroprotective effects and side effects of sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists and dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors. They discuss the potential benefits of novel therapy targeting DKD pathogenic processes including inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and vasoconstriction shown in early phases of clinical trials and offer an opinion on key challenges and directions for future progress.

EXPERT OPINION

SGLT2 inhibitors are the most promising agents for DKD and improving cardiorenal outcomes. Mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists and janus kinase inhibitors are also promising investigational therapies that target oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthesis, and inflammation. Novel therapeutic targets and the identification of clinically useful biomarkers may provide future therapies that detect early stages of DKD enabling a slower kidney function decline.

Exenatide once weekly decreases urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated albuminuria: Pooled analysis of randomized active controlled clinical trials

AIMS

To examine the albuminuria-lowering effect of exenatide once weekly (EQW) compared with active glucose-lowering comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR).

METHODS

Six randomized double-blind and open-label phase III studies were pooled in a post hoc, exploratory analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EQW versus non-glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes and baseline uACR ≥30 mg/g. Treatment groups were EQW versus all comparators pooled. Efficacy outcomes were percent change from baseline to week 26/28 in uACR and absolute change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were generally similar between the two treatment groups (EQW: N = 194, all comparators: N = 274). Relative to the comparator group, EQW changed albuminuria by -26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] -39.5 to -10). Similar improvements were observed with EQW versus oral glucose-lowering drugs (-29.6% [95% CI -47.6 to -5.3) or insulin (-23.8% [95% CI -41.8 to -0.2]). The effect of EQW on uACR was independent of baseline renin-angiotensin system inhibitor usage. Adjusted mean decreases in HbA1c, SBP and body weight were more pronounced in the EQW versus the comparator group. Adjustment for changes in HbA1c, eGFR and SBP did not substantially affect the uACR-lowering effect of EQW. When also adjusting for changes in body weight, the uACR-lowering effect was reduced to (-13.0% [95% CI -29.9 to 7.8]).

CONCLUSION

Exenatide once weekly reduced uACR in patients with type 2 diabetes and elevated albuminuria compared to commonly used glucose-lowering drugs.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease: From Clinical Outcomes to Mechanisms

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are now widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A series of clinical and experimental studies demonstrated that GLP-1RAs have beneficial effects on DKD, independent of their glucose-lowering abilities, which are mediated by natriuresis, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties. Furthermore, GLP-1RAs have been shown to suppress renal fibrosis. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP-1RAs have beneficial effects on renal outcomes, especially in patients with T2D who are at high risk for CVD. These findings suggest that GLP-1RAs hold great promise in preventing the onset and progression of DKD. However, GLP-1RAs have only been shown to reduce albuminuria, and their ability to reduce progression to ESRD remains to be elucidated. In this review article, we highlight the current understanding of the clinical efficacy and the mechanisms underlying the effects of GLP-1RAs in DKD.

Prediction and validation of exenatide risk marker effects on progression of renal disease: Insights from EXSCEL

AIM

To assess whether the previously developed multivariable risk prediction framework (PRE score) could predict the renal effects observed in the EXSCEL cardiovascular outcomes trial using short-term changes in cardio-renal risk markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes from baseline to 6 months in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin, total cholesterol, and new micro- or macroalbuminuria were evaluated. The renal outcomes were defined as a composite of a sustained 30% or 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Relationships between risk markers and long-term renal outcomes were determined in patients with type 2 diabetes from the ALTITUDE study using multivariable Cox regression analysis, and then applied to short-term changes in risk markers observed in EXSCEL to predict the exenatide-induced impact on renal outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, mean HbA1c, BMI, SBP and total cholesterol were lower at 6 months with exenatide, as was the incidence of new microalbuminuria. The PRE score predicted a relative risk reduction for the 30% eGFR decline + ESRD endpoint of 11.3% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.83-0.94), compared with 12.7% (HR 0.87; 0.77-0.99) observed risk reduction. For the 40% eGFR decline + ESRD endpoint, the predicted and observed risk reductions were 11.0% (HR 0.89; 0.82-0.97) and 13.7% (HR 0.86, 0.72-1.04), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating short-term risk marker changes into a multivariable risk score predicted the magnitude of renal risk reduction observed in EXSCEL.

Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: Implications for managing glycaemic control, cardiovascular and renal risk

This review examines the current literature relating to diabetes related kidney disease (DKD) and the optimal management of cardio-renal risk. DKD develops in approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mainstay of therapy is to reduce the progression of DKD by optimising hyperglycaemia, blood pressure, lipids and lifestyle. Evidence supports the role for renin-angiotensin system blockade in limiting the progression of DKD. Recent data from diabetes related cardiovascular outcome trials and renal specific trials have provided a novel insight on the additional benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in reducing the progression of DKD as well as cardiovascular risk. Lessons have been learnt from CREDENCE and there are expectations that DAPA-CKD and EMPA-KIDNEY will further support the benefits of SGLT2 inhibition in relation to DKD. As a consequence, international guidelines have been updated to reflect the positive benefits. In addition, novel steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists offer a potential role in future years. The review examines the current evidence and future approach to optimising outcomes for renal protection in patients with diabetes.

The Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

This review examines the available literature on the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is an important cause of end-stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy, and diabetic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). GLP-1RAs are proven to be safe in terms of CVD, and some of them have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes. The effect of GLP-1RAs on hard renal endpoints has yet to be established; to date, there have been no published GLP-1RA clinical trials with primary renal endpoints. In this review, we discuss the evidence for a renal protective role of GLP-1RAs, highlighting the secondary renal outcomes from recent cardiovascular outcome trials of this class of glucose-lowering therapies.

Treatment paradigm shifting implications of recent cardiovascular outcome trials: Core insights on the brink of the 2020ies

Based on cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials (CVOTs) being available on the brink of the 2020ies, CV safety assessed by major adverse CV event outcomes has been established for the classes of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 RAs), sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is), and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) in patients at very high CV risk. This should be relevant to the whole population with diabetes in general as well as the fact that no new serious and unexpected side effects have emerged within these trials. At the same time, treatment paradigm shifting CV benefit has been confirmed for two classes of diabetes medications (SGLT2is & GLP1 RAs), with important additional benefit of SGLT2is reducing heart failure and hard renal endpoints, both in patients with such diseases, but also in patients being in primary prevention. Moreover, the "soft" renal outcome of albuminurea progression seems to be attenuated by all three classes of drugs discussed in this overview. Still ongoing CVOTs are not expected to essentially change the current notions, with the potential of some differentiation regarding subgroups of primary heart failure populations in relation to treatment with SGLT2is.