Efficacy and adherence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in real-life settings

New and emerging treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a leading etiology of chronic liver disease worldwide, with increasing incidence and prevalence in the setting of the obesity epidemic. MASH is also a leading indication for liver transplantation, given its associated risk of progression to end-stage liver disease. A key challenge in managing MASH is the lack of approved pharmacotherapy. In its absence, lifestyle interventions with a focus on healthy nutrition and regular physical activity have been the cornerstone of therapy. Real-world efficacy and sustainability of lifestyle interventions are low, however. Pharmacotherapy development for MASH is emerging with promising data from several agents with different mechanisms of action (MOAs) in phase 3 clinical trials. In this review, we highlight ongoing challenges and potential solutions in drug development for MASH and provide an overview of available data from emerging therapies across multiple MOAs.

Adherence to GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I affects clinical outcomes and costs in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of adherence to glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and sodium-glucose transporter two inhibitors (SGLT2-I) on clinical outcomes and costs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 121,115 residents of the Lombardy Region (Italy) aged ≥40 years newly treated with metformin during 2007-2015 were followed to identify those who started therapy with GLP1-RA or SGLT2-I. Adherence to drug therapy over the first year was defined as the proportion of days covered >80%. Within each drug class, for each adherent patient, one non-adherent patient was matched for age, sex, duration, adherence to metformin treatment and propensity score. The primary clinical outcome was a composite of insulin initiation, hospitalisation for micro- and macrovascular complications and all-cause mortality after the first year of drug treatment. Costs were evaluated based on reimbursements from the national healthcare system.

RESULTS

After matching, 1182 pairs of adherent and non-adherent GLP1-RA users and 1126 pairs of adherent and non-adherent SGLT2-I users were included. In both groups, adherent patients experienced a significantly lower incidence of the primary outcome (HR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.72-0.98 for GLP1-RA and HR: 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87 for SGLT2-I). A significant reduction in hospitalizations was found for adherent patients in the GLP1-RA group but not for the SGLT2-I group. Results were consistent when analyses were stratified by age and sex. While higher drug-related costs in the adherent group were counterbalanced by decreased hospitalisation costs in SGLT2-I treated patients, this was not the case for GLP1-RA.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher adherence to drug treatment with GLP1-RA and SGLT2-I during the first year of the drug intake is associated with a lower incidence of adverse clinical outcomes in a real-world setting.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs: Miracle drugs are blooming?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), secreted by L cells in the small intestine, assumes a central role in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Its influence on insulin secretion and gastric emptying positions it as a therapeutic linchpin. However, the limited applicability of native GLP-1 stems from its short half-life, primarily due to glomerular filtration and the inactivating effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). To address this, various structural modification strategies have been developed to extend GLP-1's half-life. Despite the commendable efficacy displayed by current GLP-1 receptor agonists, inherent limitations persist. A paradigm shift emerges with the advent of unimolecular multi-agonists, such as the recently introduced tirzepatide, wherein GLP-1 is ingeniously combined with other gastrointestinal hormones. This novel approach has captured the spotlight within the diabetes and obesity research community. This review summarizes the physiological functions of GLP-1, systematically explores diverse structural modifications, delves into the realm of unimolecular multi-agonists, and provides a nuanced portrayal of the developmental prospects that lie ahead for GLP-1 analogs.

Combining Celiac and Hepatic Vagus Nerve Neuromodulation Reverses Glucose Intolerance and Improves Glycemic Control in Pre- and Overt-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Neurological disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are deeply intertwined. For example, autonomic neuropathy contributes to the development of T2DM and continued unmanaged T2DM causes further progression of nerve damage. Increasing glycemic control has been shown to prevent the onset and progression of diabetic autonomic neuropathies. Neuromodulation consisting of combined stimulation of celiac vagal fibers innervating the pancreas with concurrent electrical blockade of neuronal hepatic vagal fibers innervating the liver has been shown to increase glycemic control in animal models of T2DM. The present study demonstrated that the neuromodulation reversed glucose intolerance in alloxan-treated swine in both pre- and overt stages of T2DM. This was demonstrated by improved performance on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), as assessed by area under the curve (AUC). In prediabetic swine (fasting plasma glucose (FPG) range: 101-119 mg/dL) the median AUC decreased from 31.9 AUs (IQR = 28.6, 35.5) to 15.9 AUs (IQR = 15.1, 18.3) p = 0.004. In diabetic swine (FPG range: 133-207 mg/dL) the median AUC decreased from 54.2 AUs (IQR = 41.5, 56.6) to 16.0 AUs (IQR = 15.4, 21.5) p = 0.003. This neuromodulation technique may offer a new treatment for T2DM and reverse glycemic dysregulation at multiple states of T2DM involved in diabetic neuropathy including at its development and during progression.

A Relative Cost of Control Analysis of IDegLira versus Other Forms of Basal Insulin Intensification in Mexico

OBJECTIVES

Achieving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes is important as it reduces the risk of complications and their related clinical and economic burden. Yet therapeutic inertia due to the fear of hypoglycemia, complex treatment regimens, weight gain, and therapy costs, among others, limits achieving glycemic control. This analysis aims to assess the short-term cost of control (cost per patient achieving treatment goals) with insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus other forms of basal insulin intensification (insulin glargine titration, basal-bolus therapy, and the combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide: IGlarLixi) in type 2 diabetes patients not controlled with basal insulin in the Mexican private setting.

METHODS

The proportion of patients achieving treatment goals was obtained from DUAL V and DUAL VII studies (full trial population) and a indirect treatment comparison analyzing IDegLira versus IGlarLixi. Annual cost of treatment was estimated using unitary costs from IQVIA's Pharmaceutical Market Mexico (PMM) audit and wholesale acquisition costs (both from December 2021). The cost of control was estimated by dividing the annual cost of treatment by the proportion of patients achieving the corresponding treatment goal: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) < 7.0%, HbA1C < 7.0% without weight gain, HbA1C < 7.0% without hypoglycemia, and HbA1C < 7.0% without hypoglycemia and weight gain. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess how variations in the model inputs impacted cost-effectiveness outcomes.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients achieving treatment goals was higher for IDegLira versus other forms of basal insulin intensification in all endpoints assessed. The annual cost of treatment with IDegLira was similar to the cost of treatment versus IGlarLixi or versus basal-bolus therapy ($54,659 versus $55,831 MXN and $51,008 versus $52,987 MXN, respectively), and higher in comparison with insulin glargine titration ($52,186 versus $40,194 MXN). The cost of controlling one patient with IDegLira was lower than any other form of basal insulin intensification, for all treatment goals.

CONCLUSION

When integrating the greater clinical efficacy of IDegLira with its annual cost, it can be shown that within 1 year, IDegLira is the best option in terms of value for money for payers in a private healthcare setting in Mexico in comparison with other forms of basal insulin intensification. Thus, investing in IDegLira not only represents a greater clinical benefit, but also an economical one for payers.

Clinical Trial Landscape in NASH

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease consists of a spectrum starting from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or even liver failure. The prevalence of NASH has increased in parallel with the rising rate of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given the high prevalence and deadly complications of NASH, there have been significant efforts to develop effective treatments. Phase 2A studies have assessed various mechanisms of action across the spectrum of the disease, while phase 3 studies have focused mainly on NASH and fibrosis stage 2 and higher, as these patients have a higher risk of disease morbidity and mortality. The primary efficacy endpoints also vary, by using noninvasive tests in early-phase trials while relying on liver histological endpoints in phase 3 studies as required by regulatory agencies. Despite initial disappointment due to the failure of several drugs, recent phase 2 and 3 studies have shown promising results, with the first Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for NASH expected to be approved in 2023. In this review, we discuss the various drugs under development for NASH, their mechanisms of action, and the results of their clinical trials. We also highlight the potential challenges in developing pharmacological therapies for NASH.

Clinical Characteristics Associated with Adherence and Persistence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Dulaglutide

Aims

This study is aimed at identifying clinical characteristics associated with adherence and persistence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with dulaglutide.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study used the Common Data Model at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. Eligible subjects were followed for one year. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions were used to identify the factors associated with categorical (i.e., adherence status and continuation status) and continuous (i.e., proportion of days covered, or PDC, and treatment duration) outcome measures, respectively. Subgroup analysis was conducted involving patients at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (i.e., having ≥2 identifiable risk factors).

Results

A total of 236 patients were included. Increase in age and estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly increased the likelihood of adherence and treatment continuation. In contrast, baseline obesity and baseline use of sulfonylurea and insulin significantly reduced the likelihood of continuing dulaglutide. Similarly, increase in age, switching dulaglutide dose, and baseline neuropathy significantly increased PDC and treatment duration. None of the adherence or persistence outcome measures were significantly different between patients at high CVD risk and their matched controls. Baseline hypertension and the higher baseline LDL-C level significantly increased the likelihood of adherence in patients at high CVD risk.

Conclusion

Clinical characteristics of dulaglutide users that could have affected their adherence and persistence were identified. Physicians treating T2DM patients with dulaglutide can refer to those clinical characteristics identified in this study to optimize the adherence and persistence to dulaglutide.

Adherence to antidiabetic treatment among patients managed in primary care centres in Spain: the INTENSE study

AIMS

To determine the degree and factors related to non-insulin antidiabetic drug (NIAD) adherence in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) treated in primary carecentres in Spain.

METHODS

We did a cross-sectional study. During the study visit, variables related todifferent clinical characteristics, Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale Spanishversion (ARMS-e) and usage of NIAD were collected. We estimated the adherence toNIADs using the proportion of days covered (PDC) equation.

RESULTS

In total, 515 participants were included in the study. The mean PDC ratio was70.6 ( ± 28.9), and 50.5% (260) were classified as good adherent (PDC ≥80). Good adherence was highest among users of metformin (67.3%) and lowest among the participants using thiazolidinedione (0.8%). The score for ARMS-e was higher in the poor adherence group. In the multivariable analysis, HbA1c and the use of GLP1-RA or SGLT-2i were negatively associated with good adherence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 0.82, OR: 0.20, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.46; OR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.89, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to NIADs observed in our study is far from optimal. HbA1c and ARMS-e items could be used as adherence indicators to encourage treatment changes to improve T2DM control.

Determinants of response to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in a type 2 diabetes population in the real-world

AIMS

To identify clinical predictors associated with a response in terms of glycemic control and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed with real-world databases in primary care. Patients with type 2 diabetes-initiated treatment with GLP-1RAs during the study period, and response to GLP-1RAs were determined six months from treatment initiation. An optimal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or weight response was defined as a reduction of ≥ 1% or ≥ 3%, respectively. A "great" response was defined as both an optimal HbA1c and weight response. Bivariate and multivariate analyses with intention-to-treat were performed.

RESULTS

A sample of 2944 patients with type 2 diabetes was recruited. Higher HbA1c at baseline was the main clinical predictor of an optimal HbA1c response (odds ratio [OR]: 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-2.71 in men and OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.76-2.33 in women). Treatment without insulin at baseline was associated with a greater weight reduction in men (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.41-4.44). Older age and a higher weight at baseline were related with this in women (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05 and OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A high HbA1c at baseline and previous non-insulin therapy were the main predictors of a greater response (optimal HbA1c and weight response) to GLP1ra in both men and women. This may aid in treatment decision-making before initiating treatment with GLP-1RAs.

Cardiovascular and Renal Effectiveness of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists vs. Other Glucose-Lowering Drugs in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Real-World Studies

Cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) showed that treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) is associated with significant cardiovascular benefits. However, CVOT are scarcely representative of everyday clinical practice, and real-world studies could provide clinicians with more relatable evidence. Here, literature was thoroughly searched to retrieve real-world studies investigating the cardiovascular and renal outcomes of GLP-1RA vs. other glucose-lowering drugs and carry out relevant meta-analyses thereof. Most real-world studies were conducted in populations at low cardiovascular and renal risk. Of note, real-world studies investigating cardio-renal outcomes of GLP-1RA suggested that initiation of GLP-1RA was associated with a greater benefit on composite cardiovascular outcomes, MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events), all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure compared to other glucose-lowering drugs with the exception of sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i). Initiation of SGLT-2i and GLP-1RA yielded similar effects on composite cardiovascular outcomes, MACE, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Conversely, GLP-1RA were less effective on heart failure prevention compared to SGLT-2i. Finally, the few real-world studies addressing renal outcomes suggested a significant benefit of GLP-1RA on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction and hard renal outcomes vs. active comparators except SGLT-2i. Further real-world evidence is needed to clarify the role of GLP-1RA in cardio-renal protection among available glucose-lowering drugs.

Adherence and persistence rates of major antidiabetic medications: a review

The objective of this paper was to review the adherence and persistence rates of major antidiabetic medication classes (i.e., metformin, sulfonylureas, sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and thiazolidinediones) by summarizing the major findings of the studies published since 2017. In addition, we reported the potential causes for low adherence and persistence of antidiabetic medications. Based on the literature, the highest rate of adherence and persistence was consistently observed in metformin users. Second to metformin were sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Injectable therapies such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists trailed low on the adherence and persistence rates. To the best of our knowledge, no studies published since the year 2017 analyzed the adherence and persistence of thiazolidinediones independently. The most frequently cited cause for low adherence and persistence was the severity of adverse events. Baseline characteristics (e.g., baseline HbA1c level), demographic information (e.g., age, gender, or ethnicity), and comorbidity profiles also had significant impacts on adherence and persistence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Real-world weight change, adherence, and discontinuation among patients with type 2 diabetes initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment with demonstrated weight loss benefits in clinical trials. However, the extent to which real-world patients with T2DM achieve clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) has not been well characterized. Analysis of real-world data suggests adherence to injectable GLP-1 RAs is suboptimal and discontinuation following the first year of therapy is poorly characterized.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study among patients with T2DM initiating injectable GLP-1 RA therapy was conducted using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink that includes primary care medical records for 13 million patients in the UK. This study assessed weight change, adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC) ≥80%), and discontinuation (≥90-day gap between prescriptions) at 12 and 24 months during the study period spanning January 2009-December 2017.

RESULTS

Among 589 patients initiating a GLP-1 RA, 56.4% were female and the median age was 54 years (IQR (46, 61)). The median body mass index was 41.2 kg/m² (IQR (35.8, 46.4)). Among patients with weight measures available (n=341 at 12 months; n=232 at 24 months), 33.4% and 43.5% achieved weight loss ≥5% of baseline weight at 12 and 24 months, respectively. At 12 and 24 months, 64.5% and 59.2% were adherent, and 45.2% and 64.7% discontinued, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A minority of patients initiating GLP-1 RAs achieved ≥5% weight loss, suggesting the real-world benefit of these agents on weight loss may be lower than that observed in clinical trials. Patients on GLP-1 RAs may benefit from additional support to improve long-term adherence.

Cost-Effectiveness of iGlarLixi in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Suboptimally Controlled on Basal Insulin Plus Metformin in the UK

INTRODUCTION

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted comparing a fixed-ratio combination (FRC) of insulin glargine 100 units/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) versus the FRC of insulin degludec plus liraglutide (iDegLira) and the free-combination comparators insulin glargine plus dulaglutide (iGlar plus Dula) and basal insulin plus liraglutide (BI plus Lira).

METHODS

The IQVIA Core Diabetes Model was used to estimate lifetime costs and outcomes for a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the UK healthcare perspective. Initial clinical data for iGlarLixi were based on the randomized, controlled LixiLan-L trial and the relative treatment effects for comparators were based on an indirect treatment comparison using data from the AWARD-9 (iGlar plus Dula), LIRA ADD2 BASAL (BI plus Lira), and DUAL V (iDegLira) trials. Costs were derived from publicly available sources. Lifetime costs (in British Pound Sterling [£]) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were predicted; net monetary benefit (NMB) for iGlarLixi versus comparators was derived using a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000. Extensive scenario and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Estimated costs were lowest with iGlarLixi (£31,295) compared with iGlar plus Dula (£38,790), iDegLira (£40,179), and BI plus Lira (£42,467). Total QALYs gained were identical with iGlarLixi and iDegLira (8.438), and comparable with iGlar plus Dula (8.439) and BI plus Lira (8.466). NMB for iGlarLixi was positive versus all comparators (£10,603.86 vs. BI plus Lira; £7,466.24 vs. iGlar plus Dula; £8.874.11 vs. iDegLira).

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2DM with suboptimal glycemic control on basal insulin, iGlarLixi provides very similar outcomes and substantial cost savings, compared with other fixed and free combinations of insulins plus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

Treatment Patterns and Persistence With GLP-1 RA Treatments Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in France: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis

INTRODUCTION

In type 2 diabetes (T2D), persistence with injectable glucose-lowering therapy is associated with better outcomes. This study used real-world pharmacy data to report on persistence with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in patients with T2D in France.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis presents longitudinal data from approximately 7500 French retail pharmacies that filled GLP-1-RA prescriptions for GLP-1 RA-naïve patients with T2D ('index therapy': dulaglutide; once-weekly exenatide [exenatide QW]; twice-daily exenatide [exenatide BID]; liraglutide) between January 2015 and December 2016 (follow-up ≥ 12 months). The main outcome was treatment persistence (absence of discontinuation [gap following index therapy prescription ≥ 2-fold the expected duration of that prescription] or switch [new non-index glucose-lowering prescription issued ≤ 30 days before/after index therapy discontinuation]). Persistence was calculated as the median duration through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis over the variable follow-up period and as the proportion of patients persistent at 12 months. In addition to persistence outcomes (discontinuation/switch), three other treatment modifications were assessed: augmentation/intensification with a new non-index glucose-lowering therapy; off-label dose increase (daily dose > 20 μg for exenatide BID; two consecutive prescriptions with daily dose > 1.8 mg for liraglutide); and off-label dose decrease (two consecutive prescriptions with average daily dose lower than the index dose). Off-label dose changes were not assessed for dulaglutide or exenatide QW (as single-dose, prefilled pens).

RESULTS

Median persistence was longest for dulaglutide (373 days) versus liraglutide (205 days), exenatide QW (184 days) and exenatide BID (93 days). Twelve months after treatment initiation, the percentage of persistent patients ranged from 51% (dulaglutide) to 21% (exenatide BID). Overall, treatment modification occurred less commonly for dulaglutide than for the other index GLP-1 RAs.

CONCLUSION

This analysis revealed marked differences in persistence among GLP-1 RAs, which was highest for dulaglutide and lowest for exenatide BID. The prospective TROPHIES study will provide additional information about persistence with dulaglutide and liraglutide, including reasons for treatment modifications.

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from a Real-World Study in Spain

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to describe utilization patterns, persistence, resource utilization and costs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating treatment with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in routine clinical practice in Spain.

METHODS

This retrospective study of medical records in the Big-Pac database identified adults starting treatment with once-weekly (QW) dulaglutide, exenatide-QW or once-daily liraglutide between 1 November 2015 and 30 June 2017. Patients were followed for up to 18 months from treatment initiation. Data on clinical characteristics of patients, treatment patterns, average daily dose and costs were obtained for the three cohorts. Persistence over the 18-month period was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves. All analyses were descriptive.

RESULTS

A total of 1402 patients were included in this study (dulaglutide [n = 492], exenatide-QW [n = 438] or liraglutide [n = 472]); 52.8% were men, and the mean (SD) age was 62 (11) years, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 8.1% (1.2) and body mass index was 35.5 (3.2) kg/m² at treatment initiation. Persistence at 18 months was 59.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.8-63.4) for dulaglutide, 45.7% (95% CI 41.0-50.4) for exenatide-QW and 46.6% (95% CI 42.1-51.1) for liraglutide. The average (SD) dose was 1.2 (0.4) mg/week for dulaglutide, 1.9 (0.3) mg/week for exenatide-QW and 1.1 (0.3) mg/day for liraglutide. The average reduction in HbA1c levels at 1 year was - 0.68% for patients who initiated dulaglutide, - 0.54% for patients who initiated exenatide-QW and - 0.50% for patients who initiated liraglutide. The mean (SD) total annual health care costs were €4072 (1946) for dulaglutide, €4418 (2382) for exenatide-QW and €4382 (2389) for liraglutide.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that patients who started treatment with dulaglutide had higher persistence over 18 months, presented lower HbA1c levels at 12 months and incurred lower annual total healthcare costs than patients who initiated exenatide-QW or liraglutide.

Poor adherence and persistence to sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in real-world settings: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Despite increasing prescription of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, there is limited insight of the patterns of use among patients with diabetes prescribed these drugs. This study aimed to summarize available real-world data on the adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review for observational studies reporting the adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors was performed in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to October 2019. Data were analysed via random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies (31 cohorts) comprising 123 854 individuals prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors from eight countries were included. The pooled mean proportions of days covered [PDC] at six months and one year were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.82) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.66-0.77), respectively. The pooled proportions adherent (PDC ≥0.80) at six months and one year were 59.5% (95% CI 52.9-65.9) and 49.0% (95% CI 42.3-55.8), respectively. The pooled proportions of people persistent at six months, one year, and two years were 80.1% (95% CI 75.8-84.0), 61.8% (95% CI 57.8-65.7), and 45.9% (95% CI 35.5-56.5), respectively. When persistence was defined as the absence of ≥90-days gap, the equivalent pooled proportions persistent were 81.5% (95% CI 73.1-88.6), 58.9% (95% CI 53.1-64.6), and 34.7% (95% CI 33.6-35.8). Adherence and persistence appeared to vary across different SGLT2 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world adherence and persistence to SGLT2 inhibitors is poor. Hence, targets for improving treatment adherence and persistence need to be identified and appropriate interventions implemented.

Real-World Effectiveness of Dulaglutide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of dulaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but results may not be generalizable in routine practice. This pragmatic literature review aimed to summarize real-world evidence (RWE) for dulaglutide.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and Health Technology Assessment databases were searched from January 2014 to July 2019 for studies providing RWE for dulaglutide in adults with T2DM regarding at least one outcome of interest (change in glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]; weight; adherence; persistence; discontinuation; costs; healthcare resource utilization; health-related quality of life; patient satisfaction; and preference). Relevant congress abstracts were identified from EMBASE.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies (11 articles; 18 abstracts) were included. RWE for dulaglutide was not identified for all outcomes of interest. Dulaglutide reduced HbA1c from baseline to 3-24 months by 0.5-2.2% across studies (n = 20), and 23.4-55.7% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7.0%. Weight was reduced by 2.1-6.4 kg across studies of 3-12 months (n = 15). Based on outcomes from ten studies, 27.2-61.0% of dulaglutide patients were adherent. Mean persistence was 146-152 days and > 250 days in 6- and 12-month studies, respectively. Most studies reported discontinuation rates of 26.2-37.0%. Adherence and persistence were consistently reported to be greater in dulaglutide-treated patients in RW settings compared with other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Dulaglutide was associated with lower costs per 1% reduction in HbA1c compared with exenatide, liraglutide, or basal insulin (n = 3 studies).

CONCLUSION

Evidence from RWE studies suggests that dulaglutide may be associated with clinically relevant reductions in HbA1c, with a favorable adherence, persistence, and discontinuation profile in patients with T2DM in routine clinical practice. These findings provide additional insights regarding the potential value of dulaglutide in real-world settings that may assist healthcare decision makers in the delivery of patient-centered care.

Lessons From a Diabetes Clinic: Achieving Glycemic Goals and Clinical Use of Antidiabetic Agents in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes who achieve their glycemic goals remains low. We examined medical records and A1C results from patient visits to our referral diabetes center between 21 March to 20 July 2018. After stratifying patients into four groups-monotherapy, dual therapy, triple therapy, or insulin therapy-we found that the target A1C of ≤7.0% was achieved by 86% of patients and that A1C was uniformly low across the treatment categories. Our individualized approach, which included high use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and low use of sulfonylureas, may have contributed to these results.

Real-World Adherence and Discontinuation of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the United States

AIM

To assess adherence and discontinuation of injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) at 12 and 24 months among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in the United States initiating GLP-1 RA using the administrative claims-based database, Optum Clinformatics^® Data Mart 7.1.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted from 01/2009 to 12/2017. Patients were required to be continuously enrolled for 12 months prior to their first GLP-1 RA prescription. Proportion of days covered (PDC) from prescription claims ≥0.80 defined adherence. Discontinuation was defined as a ≥90-day gap from the last date of GLP-1 RA supply to the first date of subsequent prescription claim.

RESULTS

A total of 4791 T2DM patients had ≥1 and 3907 had ≥2 GLP-1 RA prescription claims. 50.9% and 47.4% of patients were adherent at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Adherence was significantly higher among patients on weekly vs daily doses (p<0.001). Median time to discontinuation was 13 months. The discontinuation rate was 47.7% and 70.1% at 12 and 24 months, respectively, with differences at 24 months for age and dosing frequency (p<0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

Over half of T2DM patients initiating GLP-1 RA were non-adherent and the majority (70.1%) discontinued therapy by 24 months. Reasons for non-adherence and discontinuation merit further research.

Is Digital Health for Diabetes in an Investment Bubble?

An investment bubble occurs when there is a surge in asset prices that is not warranted by asset fundamentals because of irrationally exuberant market behavior. When prices rise to a level where no additional investors are willing to buy at the elevated price, then a massive sell-off typically occurs. Digital health investments represent approximately 10% of venture capital-backed startup investments, and diabetes digital health startups represent 4% of digital health investments. Attributes of a bubble indicate evidence for and against the current time period being in an investment bubble for digital health startups. After analyzing these attributes as well as the overall economy and the demand for healthcare products, we conclude that digital health startups and particularly digital health startups for diabetes are not in a bubble.

Comparison of Characteristics Between Chinese Patients Taking Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Insulin: A Cross-sectional Database Analysis

PURPOSE

In China, although insulin has been prescribed for decades, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) have been available as an injectable treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since 2009. GLP-1 RAs are listed as second-line treatment in the 2017 Chinese Guideline for patients with T2DM in whom prior oral antidiabetic therapy has failed. This study compares the baseline characteristics of Chinese patients with T2DM taking different prescriptions of first injectable therapy (GLP-1-RA or insulin).

METHODS

The IQVIA Patient Diary Study database, which captures data from a patient medical record-based physician online survey, was the data source used in this study. Cross-sectional patient data were collected from hospitals in 15 major Chinese cities from June 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. Adults with T2DM commencing either GLP-1-RA or insulin use as their first injectable antidiabetic therapy were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the GLP-1-RA and insulin treatment groups, using t tests and χ² or Fisher exact tests.

FINDINGS

Overall, 563 patients using GLP-1-RAs and 2387 using insulin were identified. In general, patients using GLP-1-RA were younger (mean [SD], 49.6 [10.8] years vs 59.3 [10.9] years), had lower mean (SD) glycosylated hemoglobin levels (8.5% [1.2%] vs 9.6 [1.7%]), had lower mean (SD) fasting plasma glucose levels (9.0 [1.9] mmol/L vs 10.8 [2.6] mmol/L), higher mean (SD) body mass indexes (29.4 [3.9] kg/m² vs 24.6 [3.1] kg/m²), had higher comorbidity of obesity (75% vs 15%), had a higher occurrence of hyperlipidemia (63% vs 44%), and had lower occurrence of neuropathy (13% vs 34%) when compared with those using insulin (P < 0.0001 for all). The results of multivariate logistic regression model indicate that when controlling other variables in the multivariate logistic regression model, a higher fasting plasma glucose level and a longer diagnosis duration are associated with higher odds of insulin therapy commencement, but higher body mass index and some comorbidities, such as obesity and hyperlipidemia, are associated with higher odds of being a GLP-1-RA user.

IMPLICATIONS

Significant differences were identified between selected baseline characteristics of patients initiating GLP-1-RA and insulin therapy, suggesting that these medicines are more likely to be prescribed to different types of patients with T2DM in China. These findings may help to inform Chinese physicians regarding the characteristics of those patients with T2DM who are initiating treatment with a GLP-1-RA or insulin. Because the Patient Diary Study data were collected from hospitals in 15 major cities in China, one noteworthy limitation is that the results may not represent the overall treatment pattern in rural areas of China.

Initial injectable therapy in type 2 diabetes: Key considerations when choosing between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and insulin

Managing type 2 diabetes is complex and necessitates careful consideration of patient factors such as engagement in self-care, comorbidities and costs. Since type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, many patients will require injectable agents, usually insulin. Recent ADA-EASD guidelines recommend glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) as first injectable therapy in most cases. The basis for this recommendation is the similar glycemic efficacy of GLP-1 RAs and insulin, but with GLP-1 RAs promoting weight loss instead of weight gain, at lower hypoglycemia risk, and with cardiovascular benefits in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. GLP-1 RAs also reduce burden of glucose self-monitoring. However, tolerability and costs are important considerations, and notably, rates of drug discontinuation are often higher for GLP-1 RAs than basal insulin. To minimize risk of gastrointestinal symptoms patients should be started on lowest doses of GLP-1 RAs and up-titrated slowly. Overall healthcare costs may be lower with GLP-1 RAs compared to insulin. Though patient-level costs may still be prohibitive, GLP-1 RAs can replace 50-80 units of insulin daily and reduce costs associated with glucose self-monitoring. Decisions regarding initiating injectable therapy should be individualized. This review provides a framework to guide decision-making in the real-world setting.