Glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide for obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a widespread and chronic condition that requires long-term management; research into additional targets to improve treatment outcomes remains a priority. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of glucagon receptor-GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide (BI 456906) in obesity management.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding phase 2 trial conducted in 43 centres in 12 countries, we enrolled participants (aged 18-75 years, BMI ≥27 kg/m2, without diabetes) and randomly assigned them by interactive response technology (1:1:1:1:1; stratified by sex) to subcutaneous survodutide (0·6, 2·4, 3·6, or 4·8 mg) or placebo once-weekly for 46 weeks (20 weeks dose escalation; 26 weeks dose maintenance). The primary endpoint was the percentage change in bodyweight from baseline to week 46. Primary analysis included the modified intention-to-treat population (defined as all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of trial medication and who had analysable data for at least one efficacy endpoint) and was based on the dose assigned at randomisation (planned treatment), including all data censored for COVID-19-related discontinuations; the sensitivity analysis was based on the actual dose received during maintenance phase (actual treatment) and included on-treatment data. Safety analysis included all participants who received at least one dose of study drug. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04667377) and EudraCT (2020-002479-37).

FINDINGS

Between March 30, 2021, and Nov 11, 2021, we enrolled 387 participants; 386 (100%) participants were treated (0·6 mg, n=77; 2·4 mg, n=78; 3·6 mg, n=77; 4·8 mg, n=77; placebo n=77) and 233 (60·4%) of 386 completed the 46-week treatment period (187 [61%] of 309 receiving survodutide; 46 [60%] of 77 receiving placebo). When analysed according to planned treatment, mean (95% CI) changes in bodyweight from baseline to week 46 were -6·2% (-8·3 to -4·1; 0·6 mg); -12·5% (-14·5 to -10·5; 2·4 mg); -13·2% (-15·3 to -11·2; 3·6 mg); -14·9% (-16·9 to -13·0; 4·8 mg); -2·8% (-4·9 to -0·7; placebo). Adverse events occurred in 281 (91%) of 309 survodutide recipients and 58 (75%) of 77 placebo recipients; these were primarily gastrointestinal in 232 (75%) of 309 survodutide recipients and 32 (42%) of 77 placebo recipients.

INTERPRETATION

All tested survodutide doses were tolerated, and dose-dependently reduced bodyweight.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim.

Long-term efficacy and safety of combined insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy: Evidence from the LEADER trial

AIM

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and insulin combination therapy is an effective treatment option for type 2 diabetes, but long-term data are lacking. The aim was to assess the long-term efficacy of the GLP-1RA liraglutide in subgroups by insulin use in the LEADER trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LEADER assessed cardiovascular (CV) safety and efficacy of liraglutide (1.8 mg) versus placebo (plus standard of care therapy) in 9340 patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of CV disease, for up to 5 years. We analyzed CV events, metabolic parameters and hypoglycaemia post hoc in three subgroups by baseline insulin use (basal-only insulin, other insulin or no insulin). Insulin was a non-random treatment allocation as part of standard of care therapy.

RESULTS

At baseline, 5171 (55%) patients were not receiving insulin, 3159 (34%) were receiving basal-only insulin and 1010 (11%) other insulins. Insulin users had a longer diabetes duration and slightly worse glycaemic control (HbA1c) than the no-insulin subgroup. Liraglutide reduced HbA1c and weight versus placebo in all three subgroups (P < .001), and severe hypoglycaemia rate in the basal-only insulin subgroup. The need for insulin was less with liraglutide. CV risk reduction with liraglutide was similar to the main trial results in the basal-only and no-insulin subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients on insulin, liraglutide improved glycaemic control, weight and need for insulin versus placebo, for at least 36 months with no increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia, while maintaining CV safety/efficacy, supporting the combination of liraglutide and insulin for management of type 2 diabetes.