Semaglutide and Diuretic Use in Obesity-Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Pooled Analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF-DM trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the STEP-HFpEF trial program, treatment with semaglutide resulted in multiple beneficial effects in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Efficacy may vary according to baseline diuretic use, and semaglutide treatment could modify diuretic dose.

METHODS

In this pre-specified analysis of pooled data from the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF-DM trials (n=1145), which randomized participants with HFpEF and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 to once weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 52 weeks, we examined whether efficacy and safety endpoints differed by baseline diuretic use, as well as the effect of semaglutide on loop diuretic use and dose changes over the 52-week treatment period.

RESULTS

At baseline, across no diuretic (n=220), non-loop diuretic only (n=223), and loop diuretic (<40 [n=219], 40 [n=309], and >40 [n=174] mg/day furosemide-equivalents) groups, there was progressively higher prevalence of hypertension and atrial fibrillation; and severity of obesity and heart failure. Over 52 weeks of treatment, semaglutide had a consistent beneficial effect on change in body weight across diuretic use categories (adjusted mean difference vs. placebo ranged from -8.8% [95% CI -10.3, -6.3] to -6.9% [95% CI -9.1, -4.7] from no diuretics to the highest loop diuretic dose category; interaction P=0.39). Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score improvement was greater in patients on loop diuretics compared to those not on loop diuretics (adjusted mean difference vs. placebo: +9.3 [6.5; 12.1] vs. +4.7 points [1.3, 8.2]; P=0.042). Semaglutide had consistent beneficial effects on all secondary efficacy endpoints (including 6-min walk distance) across diuretic subgroups (interaction P=0.24-0.92). Safety also favored semaglutide versus placebo across the diuretic subgroups. From baseline to 52 weeks, loop diuretic dose decreased by 17% in the semaglutide group vs. a 2.4% increase in the placebo group (P<0.0001). Semaglutide (vs. placebo) was more likely to result in loop diuretic dose reduction (odds ratio [OR] 2.67 [95% CI 1.70, 4.18]) and less likely dose increase (OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.23, 0.53]; P<0.001 for both) from baseline to 52 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with obesity-related HFpEF, semaglutide improved heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations across diuretic use subgroups, with more pronounced benefits among patients receiving loop diuretics at baseline. Reductions in weight and improvements in exercise function with semaglutide versus placebo were consistent in all diuretic use categories. Semaglutide also led to a reduction in loop diuretic use and dose between baseline and 52 weeks.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION

NCT04788511 and NCT04916470.

Semaglutide versus placebo in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM randomised trials

BACKGROUND

In the STEP-HFpEF (NCT04788511) and STEP-HFpEF DM (NCT04916470) trials, the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide improved symptoms, physical limitations, bodyweight, and exercise function in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In this prespecified pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM trials, we aimed to provide a more definitive assessment of the effects of semaglutide across a range of outcomes and to test whether these effects were consistent across key patient subgroups.

METHODS

We conducted a prespecified pooled analysis of individual patient data from STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials at 129 clinical research sites in 18 countries. In both trials, eligible participants were aged 18 years or older, had heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 45%, a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2, New York Heart Association class II-IV symptoms, and a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS; a measure of heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations) of less than 90 points. In STEP-HFpEF, people with diabetes or glycated haemoglobin A1c concentrations of at least 6·5% were excluded, whereas for inclusion in STEP-HFpEF DM participants had to have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at least 90 days before screening and to have an HbA1c of 10% or lower. In both trials, participants were randomly assigned to either 2·4 mg semaglutide once weekly or matched placebo for 52 weeks. The dual primary endpoints were change from baseline to week 52 in KCCQ-CSS and bodyweight in all randomly assigned participants. Confirmatory secondary endpoints included change from baseline to week 52 in 6-min walk distance, a hierarchical composite endpoint (all-cause death, heart failure events, and differences in changes in KCCQ-CSS and 6-min walk distance); and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Heterogeneity in treatment effects was assessed across subgroups of interest. We assessed safety in all participants who received at least one dose of study drug.

FINDINGS

Between March 19, 2021 and March 9, 2022, 529 people were randomly assigned in STEP-HFpEF, and between June 27, 2021 and Sept 2, 2022, 616 were randomly assigned in STEP-HFpEF DM. Overall, 1145 were included in our pooled analysis, 573 in the semaglutide group and 572 in the placebo group. Improvements in KCCQ-CSS and reductions in bodyweight between baseline and week 52 were significantly greater in the semaglutide group than in the placebo group (mean between-group difference for the change from baseline to week 52 in KCCQ-CSS 7·5 points [95% CI 5·3 to 9·8]; p<0·0001; mean between-group difference in bodyweight at week 52 -8·4% [-9·2 to -7·5]; p<0·0001). For the confirmatory secondary endpoints, 6-min walk distance (mean between-group difference at week 52 17·1 metres [9·2 to 25·0]) and the hierarchical composite endpoint (win ratio 1·65 [1·42 to 1·91]) were significantly improved, and CRP concentrations (treatment ratio 0·64 [0·56 to 0·72]) were significantly reduced, in the semaglutide group compared with the placebo group (p<0·0001 for all comparisons). For the dual primary endpoints, the efficacy of semaglutide was largely consistent across multiple subgroups, including those defined by age, race, sex, BMI, systolic blood pressure, baseline CRP, and left ventricular ejection fraction. 161 serious adverse events were reported in the semaglutide group compared with 301 in the placebo group.

INTERPRETATION

In this prespecified pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM trials, semaglutide was superior to placebo in improving heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations, and reducing bodyweight in participants with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. These effects were largely consistent across patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Semaglutide was well tolerated.

FUNDING

Novo Nordisk.

Effects of Semaglutide on Symptoms, Function, and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity: A Prespecified Analysis of the STEP-HFpEF Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity experience a high burden of symptoms and functional impairment, and a poor quality of life. In the STEP-HFpEF trial (Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity), once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg improved symptoms, physical limitations, and exercise function, and reduced inflammation and body weight. This prespecified analysis investigated the effects of semaglutide on the primary and confirmatory secondary end points across the range of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores at baseline and on all key summary and individual KCCQ domains.

METHODS

STEP-HFpEF randomly assigned 529 participants with symptomatic HF, an ejection fraction of ≥45%, and a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2 to once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 52 weeks. Dual primary end points change in KCCQ-Clinical Summary Score (CSS) and body weight. Confirmatory secondary end points included change in 6-minute walk distance, a hierarchical composite end point (death, HF events, and change in KCCQ-CSS and 6-minute walk distance) and change in C-reactive protein. Patients were stratified by KCCQ-CSS tertiles at baseline. Semaglutide effects on the primary, confirmatory secondary, and select exploratory end points (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) were examined across these subgroups. Semaglutide effects on additional KCCQ domains (Total Symptom Score [including symptom burden and frequency], Physical Limitations Score, Social Limitations Score, Quality of Life Score, and Overall Summary Score) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Baseline median KCCQ-CSS across tertiles was 37, 59, and 77 points, respectively. Semaglutide consistently improved primary end points across KCCQ tertiles 1 to 3 (estimated treatment differences [95% CI]: for KCCQ-CSS, 10.7 [5.4 to 16.1], 8.1 [2.7 to 13.4], and 4.6 [-0.6 to 9.9] points; for body weight, -11 [-13.2 to -8.8], -9.4 [-11.5 to -7.2], and -11.8 [-14.0 to -9.6], respectively; Pinteraction=0.28 and 0.29, respectively); the same was observed for confirmatory secondary and exploratory end points (Pinteraction>0.1 for all). Semaglutide-treated patients experienced improvements in all key KCCQ domains (estimated treatment differences, 6.7-9.6 points across domains; P≤0.001 for all). Greater proportion of semaglutide-treated versus placebo-treated patients experienced at least 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-point improvements in all KCCQ domains (odds ratios, 1.6-2.9 across domains; P<0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HFpEF and obesity, semaglutide produced large improvements in HF-related symptoms, physical limitations, exercise function, inflammation, body weight, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, regardless of baseline health status. The benefits of semaglutide extended to all key KCCQ domains.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04788511.

Semaglutide in Patients With Obesity and Heart Failure Across Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Many therapies for heart failure (HF) have shown differential impact across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

OBJECTIVES

In this prespecified analysis, the authors assessed the effects of semaglutide across the baseline LVEF strata in patients with the obesity phenotype of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the STEP-HFpEF (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity and HFpEF) trial.

METHODS

STEP-HFpEF randomized 529 patients (263 semaglutide; 266 placebo). For this prespecified analysis, patients were categorized into 3 groups based on LVEF: 45% to 49% (n = 85), 50% to 59% (n = 215), and ≥60% (n = 229).

RESULTS

At 52 weeks, semaglutide improved the dual primary endpoints of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (estimated treatment difference: EF [ejection fraction] 45%-49%: 5.0 points [95% CI: -2.7 to 12.8 points], EF 50%-59%: 9.8 points [95% CI: 5.0 to 14.6 points], and EF ≥60%: 7.4 points [95% CI: 2.8 to 12.0 points]; P interaction = 0.56) and body weight (EF: 45%-49%: -7.6 [95% CI: -10.7 to -4.4], EF 50%-59%: -10.6 [95% CI: -12.6 to -8.6] and EF ≥60%: -11.9 [95% CI: -13.8 to -9.9]; P interaction = 0.08), to a similar extent across LVEF categories. Likewise, LVEF did not influence the benefit of semaglutide on confirmatory secondary endpoints: 6-minute walk distance (P interaction = 0.19), hierarchal composite endpoint (P interaction = 0.43), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P interaction = 0.26); or exploratory endpoint of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (P interaction = 0.96). Semaglutide was well-tolerated across LVEF categories.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HFpEF and obesity, semaglutide 2.4 mg improved symptoms, physical limitations, and exercise function, and reduced inflammation and body weight to a similar extent across LVEF categories. These data support treatment with semaglutide in patients with the obesity phenotype of HFpEF regardless of LVEF. (Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity [STEP-HFpEF]; NCT04788511).

Semaglutide in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Obesity

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is increasing in prevalence and is associated with a high symptom burden and functional impairment, especially in persons with obesity. No therapies have been approved to target obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 529 patients who had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and a body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) of 30 or higher to receive once-weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) or placebo for 52 weeks. The dual primary end points were the change from baseline in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS; scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating fewer symptoms and physical limitations) and the change in body weight. Confirmatory secondary end points included the change in the 6-minute walk distance; a hierarchical composite end point that included death, heart failure events, and differences in the change in the KCCQ-CSS and 6-minute walk distance; and the change in the C-reactive protein (CRP) level.

RESULTS

The mean change in the KCCQ-CSS was 16.6 points with semaglutide and 8.7 points with placebo (estimated difference, 7.8 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8 to 10.9; P<0.001), and the mean percentage change in body weight was -13.3% with semaglutide and -2.6% with placebo (estimated difference, -10.7 percentage points; 95% CI, -11.9 to -9.4; P<0.001). The mean change in the 6-minute walk distance was 21.5 m with semaglutide and 1.2 m with placebo (estimated difference, 20.3 m; 95% CI, 8.6 to 32.1; P<0.001). In the analysis of the hierarchical composite end point, semaglutide produced more wins than placebo (win ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.15; P<0.001). The mean percentage change in the CRP level was -43.5% with semaglutide and -7.3% with placebo (estimated treatment ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.72; P<0.001). Serious adverse events were reported in 35 participants (13.3%) in the semaglutide group and 71 (26.7%) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity, treatment with semaglutide (2.4 mg) led to larger reductions in symptoms and physical limitations, greater improvements in exercise function, and greater weight loss than placebo. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; STEP-HFpEF ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04788511.).

Semaglutide in HFpEF across obesity class and by body weight reduction: a prespecified analysis of the STEP-HFpEF trial

In the STEP-HFpEF trial, semaglutide improved symptoms, physical limitations and exercise function and reduced body weight in patients with obesity phenotype of heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This prespecified analysis examined the effects of semaglutide on dual primary endpoints (change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS) and body weight) and confirmatory secondary endpoints (change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), hierarchical composite (death, HF events, change in KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD) and change in C-reactive protein (CRP)) across obesity classes I-III (body mass index (BMI) 30.0-34.9 kg m-2, 35.0-39.9 kg m-2 and ≥40 kg m-2) and according to body weight reduction with semaglutide after 52 weeks. Semaglutide consistently improved all outcomes across obesity categories (P value for treatment effects × BMI interactions = not significant for all). In semaglutide-treated patients, improvements in KCCQ-CSS, 6MWD and CRP were greater with larger body weight reduction (for example, 6.4-point (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1, 8.8) and 14.4-m (95% CI: 5.5, 23.3) improvements in KCCQ-CSS and 6MWD for each 10% body weight reduction). In participants with obesity phenotype of HFpEF, semaglutide improved symptoms, physical limitations and exercise function and reduced inflammation and body weight across obesity categories. In semaglutide-treated patients, the magnitude of benefit was directly related to the extent of weight loss. Collectively, these data support semaglutide-mediated weight loss as a key treatment strategy in patients with obesity phenotype of HFpEF. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04788511 .

Effect of semaglutide on major adverse cardiovascular events by baseline kidney parameters in participants with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular disease: SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 post hoc pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Semaglutide is a glucose-lowering treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefits; semaglutide may also have kidney-protective effects. This post hoc analysis investigated the association between major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and baseline kidney parameters and whether the effect of semaglutide on MACE risk was impacted by baseline kidney parameters in people with T2D at high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

Participants from the SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials, receiving semaglutide or placebo, were categorised according to baseline kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 45 and ≥ 45-<60 versus ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or damage (urine albumin:creatinine ratio [UACR] ≥ 30-≤300 and > 300 versus < 30 mg/g). Relative risk of first MACE by baseline kidney parameters was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The same model, adjusted with inverse probability weighting, and a quadratic spline regression were applied to evaluate the effect of semaglutide on risk and event rate of first MACE across subgroups. The semaglutide effects on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight (BW) and serious adverse events (SAEs) across subgroups were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Independently of treatment, participants with reduced kidney function (eGFR ≥ 45-<60 and < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2: hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]; 1.36 [1.04;1.76] and 1.52 [1.15;1.99]) and increased albuminuria (UACR ≥ 30-≤300 and > 300 mg/g: 1.53 [1.14;2.04] and 2.52 [1.84;3.42]) had an increased MACE risk versus those without. Semaglutide consistently reduced MACE risk versus placebo across all eGFR and UACR subgroups (interaction p value [pINT] > 0.05). Semaglutide reduced HbA1c regardless of baseline eGFR and UACR (pINT>0.05); reductions in BW were affected by baseline eGFR (pINT<0.001) but not UACR (pINT>0.05). More participants in the lower eGFR or higher UACR subgroups experienced SAEs versus participants in reference groups; the number of SAEs was similar between semaglutide and placebo arms in each subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

MACE risk was greater for participants with kidney impairment or damage than for those without. Semaglutide consistently reduced MACE risk across eGFR and UACR subgroups, indicating that semaglutide provides cardiovascular benefits in people with T2D and at high cardiovascular risk across a broad spectrum of kidney function and damage.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONS

NCT01720446; NCT02692716.

Post hoc analysis of SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials suggests that people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk treated with semaglutide experience more stable kidney function compared with placebo

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce albuminuria and may stabilize the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this post hoc analysis of the SUSTAIN 6/PIONEER 6 trials encompassing 6480 participants at high cardiovascular risk (semaglutide, 3239 participants; placebo, 3241 participants), we investigated the effects of semaglutide versus placebo on eGFR decline. Pooled data by treatment were evaluated for annual eGFR change (total annual eGFR slope in ml/min per 1.73 m2) from baseline to end of treatment and time to persistent eGFR reductions of 30%, 40%, 50% and 57% or more, including subgroup analyses by baseline eGFR (30 to under 60 or 60 and over ml/min per 1.73 m2). In the overall population, the estimated treatment difference (ETD; semaglutide versus placebo) in annual eGFR slope was significant at 0.59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval 0.29; 0.89). The ETD was numerically largest in the 30 to under 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 eGFR subgroup, 1.06 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (0.45; 1.67), but no significant interaction was observed for treatment effect by subgroup. Hazard ratios (semaglutide versus placebo) for time to persistent eGFR decline were under 1.0 for all eGFR thresholds in the overall population; and were numerically lower in the baseline eGFR 30 to under 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 subgroup versus the overall population, although no significant interaction was observed for treatment effect by subgroup. Thus, pooled analyses of clinical trial data in patients with T2D suggest that semaglutide may reduce the rate of eGFR decline.

Association of placental and umbilical cord characteristics with cerebral palsy: national cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders usually diagnosed in childhood. A substantial proportion are thought to be caused by antenatal events. Abnormalities of the umbilical cord and placenta are associated with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, but it is unclear whether these conditions also carry an increased risk of CP. We aimed to determine whether abnormalities of the umbilical cord or placenta are associated with CP and assess if these associations differ by sex of the child or gestational age at birth.

METHODS

We performed a national cohort study by linking data from The Medical Birth Registry of Norway with other national registries. All liveborn singletons born between 1999 and 2017 (n = 1 087 486) were included and followed up until the end of 2019. Diagnoses of CP were provided by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and the Norwegian Patient Register. We used generalized estimating equations and multilevel log binomial regression to calculate relative risks (RR), adjusted for year of birth, and stratified analyses were carried out based on sex and gestational age at birth. Exposures were abnormal umbilical cord (velamentous or marginal insertion, single umbilical artery (SUA), knots and entanglement), and placental abnormalities (retained placenta, placental abruption and previa).

RESULTS

A total of 2443 cases with CP (59.8% males) were identified. Velamentous cord insertion (adjusted RR (aRR), 2.11 (95% CI, 1.65-2.60)), cord knots (aRR, 1.53 (95% CI, 1.15-2.04)) and placental abnormalities (placenta previa (aRR, 3.03 (95% CI, 2.00-4.61)), placental abruption (aRR, 10.63 (95% CI, 8.57-13.18)) and retained placenta (aRR, 1.71 (95% CI, 1.32-2.22))) carried an increased risk of CP. Velamentous cord insertion was associated with CP regardless of gestational age or sex. A retained placenta was associated with a 2-fold increased risk for CP in males, while the associations of SUA and cord knot with CP were significant only among females.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of placental and umbilical cord abnormalities may help identify children at increased risk of CP. The associations between placental or umbilical cord abnormalities and the risk of CP do not vary substantially with gestational age at birth or sex of the child. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Impact of semaglutide on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: exploratory patient-level analyses of SUSTAIN and PIONEER randomized clinical trials

Background

Exploratory analysis to determine the effect of semaglutide versus comparators on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Trials of once-weekly subcutaneous (SUSTAIN 3) and once-daily oral (PIONEER 1, 2, 5) semaglutide with hsCRP data were analyzed. Subjects with type 2 diabetes (N = 2482) received semaglutide (n = 1328) or comparators (placebo, n = 339; exenatide extended-release, n = 405; empagliflozin, n = 410). hsCRP ratio to baseline at end-of-treatment was analyzed overall, by clinical cutoff (< 1.0, ≥ 1.0 to ≤ 3.0, or > 3.0 mg/L), by tertile, and by estimated glomerular filtration rate in PIONEER 5 (a trial which was conducted in a population with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease [CKD]). Mediation analyses assessed the effect of change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and/or change in body weight (BW) on hsCRP reductions.

Results

Geometric mean baseline hsCRP was similar across trials (range 2.7–3.0 mg/L). Semaglutide reduced hsCRP levels by clinical cutoffs and tertiles from baseline to end-of-treatment in all trials versus comparators (estimated treatment ratios [ETRs] versus comparators: 0.70–0.76; p < 0.01) except versus placebo in PIONEER 5 (ETR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.67–1.03]; p > 0.05). The effect of semaglutide on hsCRP was partially mediated (20.6–61.8%) by change in HbA_1c and BW.

Conclusions

Semaglutide reduced hsCRP ratios-to-baseline versus comparators in subjects with type 2 diabetes (not significant with CKD). This effect was partially mediated via reductions in HbA_1c and BW and potentially by a direct effect of semaglutide. Semaglutide appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is being further investigated in ongoing trials.

Trial registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01885208 (first registered June 2013), NCT02906930 (first registered September 2016), NCT02863328 (first registered August 2016), NCT02827708 (first registered July 2016).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01585-7.

Cardiovascular efficacy of liraglutide and semaglutide in individuals with diabetes and peripheral artery disease

AIM

To evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) efficacy of liraglutide and semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials investigated subcutaneous liraglutide (≤1.8 mg/day) and semaglutide (0.5 or 1.0 mg/week), respectively, versus placebo in patients with T2D and high CV risk (median follow-up: 3.8 and 2.1 years, respectively). The primary outcome was a composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke (major adverse CV event [MACE]) according to the presence of PAD at baseline.

RESULTS

Overall, 1184/9340 (12.7%) patients in LEADER and 460/3297 (14.0%) in SUSTAIN 6 had PAD at baseline. Patients with PAD were at an ~35% increased risk of MACE versus those without (LEADER: hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.58; SUSTAIN 6: HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.94-1.83). The effects of both therapies on MACE were consistently beneficial in patients with PAD (liraglutide: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.58-1.01; semaglutide: 0.61, 0.33-1.13) and without (liraglutide: HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79-1.00; semaglutide: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.58-1.01; P_interaction  = .34 for liraglutide and .49 for semaglutide). Absolute risk reductions for MACE were higher in patients with PAD (liraglutide: 4.13%-point, 95% CI -0.15-8.42; semaglutide: 4.63%-point, 95% CI -0.58-9.84) versus without (liraglutide:1.42%-point, 95% CI -0.03-2.87; semaglutide: 1.90%-point, 95% CI 0.00-3.80).

CONCLUSION

Both liraglutide and semaglutide reduce MACE with consistent CV efficacy regardless of PAD status.

Effects of Semaglutide on Stroke Subtypes in Type 2 Diabetes: Post Hoc Analysis of the Randomized SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6

GLP-1 RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), including semaglutide, may reduce stroke risk in people with type 2 diabetes. This post hoc analysis examined the subcutaneous and oral semaglutide effects, versus placebo, on stroke and its subtypes in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.

Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on coronary outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease: insights from the SUSTAIN-6 trial

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Nordisk A/S

Background/introduction

In the randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled SUSTAIN-6 cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial, once-weekly (OW) semaglutide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist), compared with placebo, reduced the risk of major adverse CV events (CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI], or non-fatal stroke) and the risk for revascularisation (pre-specified secondary outcome) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or at high risk for CV disease (CVD). However, the effects of OW semaglutide on composite coronary-specific outcomes have not been explored.

Purpose

The aim of these post-hoc, exploratory analyses was to assess the effects of OW semaglutide, compared with placebo, on composite coronary outcomes in the SUSTAIN-6 trial population.

Methods

In these post-hoc analyses of the SUSTAIN-6 trial, the following coronary outcomes were assessed with OW semaglutide (0.5 and 1.0 mg doses pooled) vs placebo, both in addition to standard of care: the main coronary outcome (composite of MI [both fatal and non-fatal] or coronary revascularisation [defined as coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention]); and the expanded coronary outcome (composite of MI, coronary revascularisation, or unstable angina). Coronary outcomes were assessed overall, as well as in subgroups with or without a prior coronary event (MI or coronary revascularisation) at baseline. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse time to first event for the outcomes.

Results

Overall, 3,297 patients were included in these analyses. Key cohort characteristics included a mean age of 64.6 ± 7.4 years with an average T2DM duration of 13.9 ± 8.1 years; 39.3% were female and 48.3% had prior MI or coronary revascularisation (32.5% and 40.3% for each prior event, respectively). The median follow-up duration was 2.1 years. The proportion of patients experiencing a first event was lower with OW semaglutide vs placebo for the main coronary outcome (6.1% vs 8.1%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.97]) and the expanded coronary outcome (6.3% vs 8.6%; HR 0.73 [95% CI 0.56–0.94]) (Figure 1). The time to the first main coronary outcome event is shown in Figure 2. Prior coronary event status at baseline did not modify the treatment effects of semaglutide (all p-interaction &gt;0.05) (Figure 1).

Conclusions

In these post-hoc analyses of the SUSTAIN-6 trial, OW semaglutide reduced the risk of composite coronary outcomes vs placebo in patients with T2DM with or at high risk for CVD, irrespective of prior MI or revascularisation status. These findings support the beneficial effects of OW semaglutide in this high risk population.

MO462: Change in KDIGO Kidney Risk Category With Semaglutide Treatment—A Post Hoc Analysis of the Sustain 6 Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, have been associated with reductions in albuminuria, and may preserve estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, it has not been explored whether treatment with semaglutide affects a person's chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk category. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) risk category classification is a validated approach for defining the likelihood of CKD and cardiovascular (CV) disease progression, based on eGFR and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). The aim of this analysis was to determine whether treatment with once-weekly (OW) semaglutide resulted in improvements in KDIGO risk category compared with placebo.

METHOD

The proportion of subjects with T2D moving to a lower KDIGO risk category, remaining in the same category or moving to a higher risk category between baseline and 2 years on treatment with OW subcutaneous semaglutide versus placebo was assessed post hoc using SUSTAIN 6 (NCT01720446) CV outcomes trial data. The endpoints were assessed for the overall population and by baseline KDIGO risk category (low, moderate, high and very high). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate the contributions of UACR and eGFR to change in risk category.

RESULTS

Data from 2804 of the 3297 subjects randomized in SUSTAIN 6 were available for this post hoc analysis. At 2 years, in the overall population, subjects receiving OW semaglutide were more likely to move to a lower risk category (n = 183; 13.0%) than subjects receiving placebo (n = 114; 8.2%); odds ratio (OR; semaglutide versus placebo) 1.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32; 2.16, P &lt; 0.0001) (Figure). Conversely, subjects receiving OW semaglutide were less likely to move to a higher risk category (n = 254; 18.1%) than those receiving placebo (n = 330; 23.6%); OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.59;0.86, P = 0.0003) (Figure). When the data were stratified by baseline KDIGO risk categories, across all categories, greater proportions of subjects receiving semaglutide than placebo moved to a lower risk category and lower proportions of subjects receiving semaglutide than placebo moved to a higher risk category (Figure). The effects of semaglutide on UACR and eGFR both contributed to the favourable change-in-risk-category profile compared with placebo (Table).

CONCLUSION

Subjects receiving semaglutide versus placebo were more likely to move to a lower KDIGO risk category and less likely to move to a higher risk category, both in the overall population and across KDIGO risk category subgroups. The potential kidney protective effects of semaglutide and the mechanisms underlying these are being investigated in subjects with T2D and CKD in the FLOW and REMODEL trials.

The importance of addressing multiple risk markers in type 2 diabetes: Results from the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials

AIMS

To investigate to what extent multiple risk marker improvements confer lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications in a contemporary type 2 diabetes population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Post-hoc analysis of the LEADER (n = 8638; median follow-up 3.8 years) and SUSTAIN 6 (n = 3040; median follow-up 2.1 years) cardiovascular outcome trials. Participants were those with baseline and year-1 assessment of at least one of the parameters of interest; we pooled the liraglutide-/semaglutide- and placebo-treated groups and categorized them by number of risk markers with clinically relevant improvements after 1 year of study participation. We investigated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), expanded MACE, cardiovascular death and nephropathy. Predefined clinically relevant changes: body weight loss ≥5%; reductions in: glycated haemoglobin ≥1%, systolic blood pressure ≥5 mmHg and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥0.5 mmol/L; estimated glomerular filtration rate change ≥0 ml/min/1.73 m² and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio change ≥30% of baseline value. Cox regression analysed risk of outcomes adjusted for baseline risk marker levels and treatment group and stratified by trial.

RESULTS

Participants with two, three, or four or more improved risk markers versus participants with no risk marker improvement had reduced risk of expanded MACE [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.80 (0.67-0.96); 0.80 (0.66-0.97); 0.82 (0.66-1.02)], cardiovascular death [0.66 (0.45-0.96), 0.67 (0.45-0.99), 0.60 (0.38-0.94)] and nephropathy [0.71 (0.52-0.97), 0.48 (0.34-0.68), 0.43 (0.29-0.65)].

CONCLUSIONS

In persons with type 2 diabetes, improvements in ≥2 risk markers conferred cardiovascular risk reduction versus none or one improved risk marker. The nephropathy risk decreased with improvement in more risk markers. These findings stress the importance of multifactorial interventions targeting all risk markers.

The potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: from randomised trials to clinical practice

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 10% of the global population and is most often caused by diabetes. Diabetes with CKD (diabetic kidney disease, DKD) is a progressive condition that may cause kidney failure and which contributes significantly to the excess morbidity and mortality in these patients. DKD is treated with direct disease-targeting therapies like blockers of the renin-angiotensin system, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as well as indirect therapies impacting hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, obesity and hypertension, which all together reduce disease progression. While no glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are currently indicated to improve kidney outcomes, accumulating evidence from cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) corroborates a kidney-protective effect in people with T2D and CKD, and GLP-1 RAs are now mentioned in international treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes (T2D) with CKD. GLP-1 RAs are indicated to improve glycaemia in people with T2D; certain GLP-1 RAs are also approved for weight management and to reduce cardiovascular risk in T2D. Ongoing pivotal trials are assessing additional indications, including T2D with CKD. In this article, we review and discuss kidney outcomes from a multitude of completed clinical trials as well as real-world evidence and ongoing clinical trials.

Effect of the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Semaglutide and Liraglutide on Kidney Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: a Pooled Analysis of SUSTAIN 6 and LEADER Trials

Background: We assessed the effect of once-weekly semaglutide and once-daily liraglutide on kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Pooled (N=12,637) and by-trial data from SUSTAIN 6 (N=3297) and LEADER (N=9340) were assessed for albuminuria change, annual slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change, and time to persistent eGFR reduction (30%, 40%, 50%, and 57%) from baseline. Results: The median follow-up durations were 2.1 and 3.8 years for SUSTAIN 6 and LEADER, respectively. In the pooled analysis, semaglutide/liraglutide lowered albuminuria from baseline to 2 years post-randomization by 24% versus placebo (95% confidence interval [CI] [20%,27% ], p<0.001). Significant reductions were also observed in by-trial data analyses (p<0.001 for all), the largest being with semaglutide 1.0 mg: 33% (95% CI [24%,40% ], p<0.001) at 2 years. With semaglutide 1.0 mg and liraglutide, eGFR slope decline was significantly slowed by 0.87 and 0.26 mL/min/1.73 m²/year (p<0.0001 and p<0.001), respectively, versus placebo. Effects appeared larger in those with baseline eGFR <60 versus ≥60 mL/min/1.73m² (p_interaction=0.06 and 0.008 for semaglutide 1.0 mg and liraglutide, respectively). Semaglutide/liraglutide significantly lowered risk of persistent 40% and 50% eGFR reductions versus placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% CI [0.75,0.99], p=0.039, and HR 0.80, 95% CI [0.66,0.97], p=0.023, respectively). Similar, non-significant, directional results were observed for 30% and 57% eGFR reductions (HR 0.92, 95% CI [0.84, 1.02], p=0.10, and HR 0.89, 95% CI [0.69, 1.13], p=0.34). In those with baseline eGFR 30-<60mL/min/1.73m², the likelihood of persistent reduction for all thresholds was increased, ranging from a HR 0.71 for 30% reduction (95% CI [0.59,0.85], p=0.0003, pinteraction=0.017) to 0.54 for 57% reduction (95% CI [0.36,0.81], p=0.003, pinteraction=0.035). Conclusions: In patients with T2D, semaglutide/liraglutide offered kidney-protective effects, which appeared more pronounced in those with pre-existing chronic kidney disease.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes: post hoc analysis of SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6

Background

Inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may serve as a clinically useful biomarker of inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) disease, although this relationship has not been studied in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Purpose

This post hoc analysis investigated the relationship between NLRs and CV outcomes in T2D CV outcomes trials for two formulations of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist.

Methods

In pooled analyses of the SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials, 6,480 patients with T2D at high CV risk received placebo or semaglutide (once-weekly subcutaneously up to 1.0 mg, or once-daily orally up to 14 mg). NLRs were calculated from complete blood counts at randomisation. Adjudicated outcomes included 3-point major adverse CV events (MACE: composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI] or non-fatal stroke; primary outcome), expanded MACE, CV death and all-cause death (secondary outcomes). Patient characteristics and CV outcomes were analysed according to baseline NLR tertiles using pooled trial data. Estimation of hazard ratios (HRs) for all outcomes across NLR tertiles used a Cox proportional hazards model. A Cox spline regression with continuous NLR as covariate adjusted for treatment was used to predict the event rate of first MACE at 2 years.

Results

Overall, baseline NLR was recorded in 6,364 patients. Mean baseline NLRs were 1.5, 2.2 and 3.6 in the low, middle and high tertiles, respectively. Patients in the high NLR tertile were older (66.6 years), more likely to be male (70.0%), had longer duration of diabetes (15.3 years), higher body weight (93.3 kg), lower diastolic blood pressure (75.5 mmHg) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (70.4 mL/min/1.73m2) vs those in the lower NLR tertiles (all p&lt;0.0001). Higher NLR was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.37 [1.05; 1.80; p=0.02] and 1.86 [1.45; 2.41; p&lt;0.0001] for the middle and high tertiles, respectively, vs the low tertile). The high NLR tertile was also associated with a 74% increased risk of expanded MACE and twofold risk for CV death and all-cause death vs the low NLR tertile (Figure 1). Spline regression indicated that NLR values &gt;5 increased the risk of first MACE substantially (Figure 2). Further analysis of NLR and MACE by tertiles showed a more pronounced association in patients without prior MI and/or stroke (HR [95% CI]: 1.64 [1.07; 2.56]; p=0.03 and 2.09 [1.38; 3.21]; p=0.0006 in the middle and high tertiles, respectively, vs the low tertile).

Conclusion

Baseline NLR predicts MACE, CV death and all-cause death in patients with T2D and high CV risk. NLR is readily accessible from routinely obtained and inexpensive blood counts; it could offer a convenient, clinically useful inflammatory biomarker for CV risk prediction in this population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk A/S Figure 1Figure 2

Prediction of preterm pre-eclampsia according to NICE and ACOG criteria: descriptive study of 597 492 Danish births from 2008 to 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this national study was to examine the incidence of preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) and the proportion of women with risk factors for PE, according to the criteria suggested by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), during a 10-year period in Denmark.

METHODS

Data from The Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Medical Birth Registry were used to obtain the incidence of preterm PE with delivery < 37 weeks' gestation and risk factors for PE for all deliveries in Denmark from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. The proportion of women with at least one high-risk factor and/or at least two moderate-risk factors for PE, according to the NICE and ACOG criteria, and the detection rate for preterm PE were examined. Race, socioeconomic status and the woman's weight at birth were not available from the registries used, and information on Type-2 diabetes was found to be invalid.

RESULTS

Of the 597 492 deliveries during the study period, any PE was registered in 3.2%, preterm PE < 37 weeks in 0.7% and early-onset PE < 34 weeks' gestation in 0.3%. These proportions remained largely unchanged from 2008 to 2017. Overall, the NICE criteria were fulfilled in 7.5% of deliveries and the ACOG criteria in 17.3%. In the total population, the NICE criteria identified 47.6% of those with preterm PE and the ACOG criteria identified 60.5%. The current criteria for offering aspirin treatment in Denmark largely correspond to having at least one NICE high-risk factor. In 2017, a total of 3.5% of deliveries had at least one NICE high-risk factor, which identified 28.4% of cases that later developed preterm PE.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of preterm PE remained largely unchanged in Denmark from 2008 to 2017. Prediction of PE according to high-risk maternal factors could be improved by addition of moderate-risk factors. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Methodological challenges in the analysis of recurrent events for randomised controlled trials with application to cardiovascular events in LEADER

Analysis of recurrent events is becoming increasingly popular for understanding treatment effects in randomised controlled trials. The analysis of recurrent events can improve efficiency and capture disease burden compared to standard time-to-first event analyses. However, the added knowledge about the multi-state process comes at the cost of modelling complexity. High mortality rates can complicate matters even more. A case study using data from a randomised controlled trial, LEADER, is presented to highlight interpretation of common methods as well as potential pitfalls when analysing recurrent events in the presence of a competing risk. The presented methods either target features of the underlying intensity functions or marginal traits of a multi-state process which includes terminal events or not. In particular, approaches to handle death as a part of an event and as a competing risk are discussed. A new method targeting the marginal mean function for a composite endpoint, which includes both death as a component and as a competing risk, will be introduced. Finally, recommendations for how to capture meaningful treatment effects in randomised controlled trials when analysing recurrent and terminal events will be made.

Potential kidney protection with liraglutide and semaglutide: Exploratory mediation analysis

AIMS

To investigate whether effects on chronic kidney disease risk factors could explain the apparent reduction in kidney outcomes (composite of macroalbuminuria, doubling of serum creatinine, renal replacement therapy, or renal death), primarily driven by changes in albuminuria, after treatment with the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) liraglutide and semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes in the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the mediation effect of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (BP), and body weight on the kidney effects of GLP-1RAs. Diastolic BP, haemoglobin, heart rate, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and white blood cell count were also investigated. The mediation effect was estimated by the novel Vansteelandt statistical method. Subgroups with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² were examined in LEADER.

RESULTS

We observed that HbA1c mediated 25% (95% confidence interval [CI] -7.1; 67.3) and 26% (95% CI noncalculable), and systolic BP 9% (95% CI 2.8; 22.7) and 22% (95% CI noncalculable) of kidney effects of GLP-1RAs in LEADER and SUSTAIN 6, respectively. Small or no mediation was observed for the other parameters; for example, body weight mediated 9% (95% CI -7.9; 35.5) in the former and did not mediate effects in the latter study. Mediation by HbA1c was greater in patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (57%) versus those with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² (no mediation).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HbA1c and systolic BP may moderately mediate kidney benefits of liraglutide and semaglutide, with all other variables having a small to no effect. Potential kidney benefits may be driven by other mediators or potentially by direct mechanisms.

Applying REWIND cardiovascular disease criteria to SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6: An exploratory analysis of cardiovascular outcomes with semaglutide

In the REWIND trial, dulaglutide reduced cardiovascular (CV) risk versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes in both the "established CV disease" (CVD) and "CV risk factor" subgroups. The SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials of semaglutide used different criteria for established CVD from those used in REWIND. The present post hoc analysis assessed the effect of semaglutide on major adverse CV events (MACE) in a pooled population of SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 patients, re-categorized into CV risk subgroups using the REWIND CVD criteria. In the pooled analysis (n = 6480), a lower percentage of patients were in the established CVD subgroup, when using the REWIND CVD criteria, compared with the original trial CVD criteria (66.5% vs. 83.8%, respectively). After re-categorization, the risk of MACE was significantly lower with semaglutide versus placebo in the established CVD subgroup (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59, 0.92) and nonsignificantly lower in the CV risk factor subgroup (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.55, 1.28) (P-interaction = 0.60). These results suggest that the CV effects of semaglutide may extend to patients with type 2 diabetes across the CV risk continuum.

FC 058THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING MULTIPLE RISK MARKERS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: RESULTS FROM THE LEADER AND SUSTAIN 6 TRIALS

Background and Aims

The extent to which improvements in multiple risk markers affect outcomes in type 2 diabetes is unclear. Our aim was to investigate whether clinically relevant improvement in multiple risk markers confers lower risk of micro- and macrovascular disease in a contemporary type 2 diabetes population with cardiovascular disease or high risk for cardiovascular disease, independent of specific treatments.

Method

Exploratory post-hoc analysis of the two cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with type 2 diabetes LEADER (NCT01179048; n=8638 with baseline and year 1 assessment of at least one of the parameters of interest; patients randomised to the glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist [GLP-1 RA] liraglutide or placebo [1:1]; median observation time: 3.8 years) and SUSTAIN 6 (NCT01720446; n=3040 with baseline and year 1 assessment of at least one of the parameters of interest; patients randomised to the GLP-1 RA semaglutide or placebo [1:1]; median observation time: 2.1 years). We pooled all participants, including the active (liraglutide/semaglutide) and placebo-treated groups. We categorised patients according to number of risk markers with a clinically relevant change 1 year after randomisation and investigated subsequent risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke), expanded MACE (MACE plus coronary revascularisation and hospitalisation for heart failure or unstable angina pectoris), cardiovascular death or nephropathy (new onset of macroalbuminuria or doubling of the serum creatinine level and an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤45 ml/min/1.73 m2, or the need for continuous renal-replacement therapy, or death from renal disease). We defined clinically relevant change as: body weight loss ≥5%, glycated haemoglobin reduction ≥1%, systolic blood pressure reduction ≥5 mmHg, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction ≥0.5 mmol/L, eGFR reduction ≥0 ml/min/1.73m2 and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio reduction ≥30% of baseline value. Numbers of risk markers with change were classified as: none (group G0), 1 (G1), 2 (G2), 3 (G3) and ≥4 (G4). Cox regression analysed risk of each outcome and tested for trends; models were adjusted for continuous baseline levels of the risk markers and treatment group (liraglutide/semaglutide and placebo) and stratified by trial.

Results

The Table contains baseline characteristics of patients in each risk marker group. Compared to patients with no risk-marker improvement, patients with 2, 3 or ≥4 improved risk markers had reduced risk of expanded MACE [hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.80 (0.67-0.96); 0.80 (0.66-0.97); 0.82 (0.66-1.02)], cardiovascular death [0.66 (0.45-0.96); 0.67 (0.45-0.99); 0.60 (0.38-0.94)] and nephropathy [(0.71 (0.52-0.97); 0.48 (0.34-0.68); 0.43 (0.29-0.65)] (Figure). One improved risk marker conferred no risk reduction. The trend of decreased risk for each additional risk marker improvement was significant for expanded MACE (p=0.004), cardiovascular death (p=0.005) and nephropathy (p&lt;0.0001). We observed a stepwise higher number of patients on GLP-1 RA treatment in the groups with 0, 1, 2, 3 or ≥4 risk marker improvements as follows: 30.5% in G0, 38.0% in G1, 48.8% in G2, 61.6% in G3 and 75.3% in G4.

We observed similar results in separate analyses of the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials.

Conclusion

In patients with type 2 diabetes, improvements in two or more risk markers confer reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and nephropathy as compared with none or one improved risk marker, most notably for nephropathy. Our findings stress the importance of multifactorial intervention and underscore the benefit of pleiotropic antidiabetic treatments.

Surrogate endpoint evaluation using data from one large global randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Robust identification of surrogate endpoints can help accelerate the development of pharmacotherapies for diseases traditionally evaluated using true endpoints associated with prolonged follow-up. The meta-analysis-based surrogate endpoint evaluation (SEE) integrates data from multiple, usually smaller, trials to statistically confirm a surrogate endpoint as a robust proxy for the true endpoint. To test the applicability of SEE when only a single, larger trial is available, we analysed the cardiovascular (CV) survival endpoint from the large multinational trial LEADER (9340 subjects) that confirmed the CV safety of a diabetes drug (liraglutide). We evaluated if using country as a trial unit adequately facilitated the meta-analysis and calculation of R² by country group.

METHODS

Data were grouped by country, ensuring at least 30 CV deaths (497 in total) in each of the nine resulting by-country groups. In a two-step SEE on the grouped dataset, we first fitted the group-specific Cox proportional hazard models; next, on the trial-level, we regressed the estimated hazard ratio (HR; liraglutide vs placebo) of the true endpoints (CV death: 497 events, or all-cause death: 828 events) on the HR of the surrogate endpoint (major CV adverse event [MACE]: 1302 events) and derived the group-specific R² and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Group-level surrogacy of MACE was supported for CV death but not for all-cause death, with [Formula: see text] values of 0.85 [0.63;1.00]_{95% CI} and 0.23 [0.00;0.67]_{95% CI}, respectively. Sensitivity analyses using different grouping approaches (e.g. grouping by region) corroborated the robustness of the conclusions as well as the appropriateness of the data-grouping approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

We derived a specific grouping approach to successfully apply SEE on data from a single trial. This may allow for the statistically robust identification and validation of surrogate endpoints based on the abundance of large monolithic outcome trials conducted as part of drug development programmes in, for example, diabetes.

Changes in Albuminuria Predict Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of the LEADER Trial

OBJECTIVE

A post hoc analysis to investigate the association between 1-year changes in albuminuria and subsequent risk of cardiovascular and renal events.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

LEADER was a randomized trial of liraglutide up to 1.8 mg/day versus placebo added to standard care for 3.5-5 years in 9,340 participants with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. We calculated change in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline to 1 year in participants with >30% reduction (n = 2,928), 30-0% reduction (n = 1,218), or any increase in UACR (n = 4,124), irrespective of treatment. Using Cox regression, risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and a composite nephropathy outcome (from 1 year to end of trial in subgroups by baseline UACR [<30 mg/g, 30-300 mg/g, or ≥300 mg/g]) were assessed. The analysis was adjusted for treatment allocation alone as a fixed factor and for baseline variables associated with cardiovascular and renal outcomes.

RESULTS

For MACE, hazard ratios (HRs) for those with >30% and 30-0% UACR reduction were 0.82 (95% CI 0.71, 0.94; P = 0.006) and 0.99 (0.82, 1.19; P = 0.912), respectively, compared with any increase in UACR (reference). For the composite nephropathy outcome, respective HRs were 0.67 (0.49, 0.93; P = 0.02) and 0.97 (0.66, 1.43; P = 0.881). Results were independent of baseline UACR and consistent in both treatment groups. After adjustment, HRs were significant and consistent in >30% reduction subgroups with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduction in albuminuria during the 1st year was associated with fewer cardiovascular and renal outcomes, independent of treatment. Albuminuria monitoring remains an important part of diabetes care, with great unused potential.

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus once-daily sitagliptin as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes in SUSTAIN China: A 30-week, double-blind, phase 3a, randomized trial

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, versus once-daily sitagliptin as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a multiregional clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the 30-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active comparator SUSTAIN China trial, 868 adults with T2D inadequately controlled on metformin (HbA1c 7.0%-10.5%) were randomized to receive once-weekly semaglutide 0.5 mg (n = 288), semaglutide 1.0 mg (n = 290) or once-daily sitagliptin 100 mg (n = 290). The primary and confirmatory secondary endpoints were change from baseline to week 30 in HbA1c and body weight, respectively.

RESULTS

The trial enrolled ~70% (605/868) of the patients in China, and the remaining patients from four other countries, including the Republic of Korea. Both doses of semaglutide were superior to sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c and body weight after 30 weeks of treatment. The odds of achieving target HbA1c  of less than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol), weight loss of 5% or higher, or 10% or higher, and the composite endpoint of HbA1c  less than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) without severe or blood glucose-confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia no weight gain, were all significantly higher with both semaglutide doses compared with sitagliptin. The safety profile for semaglutide was consistent with the known class effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs). Consistent efficacy and safety findings were seen in the Chinese subpopulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-weekly semaglutide was superior to sitagliptin in improving glycaemic control and reducing body weight in patients with T2D inadequately controlled on metformin. The safety and tolerability profiles were consistent with those of semaglutide and other GLP-1 RAs. Semaglutide is an effective once-weekly treatment option for the Chinese population.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide on cardiovascular and renal outcomes across body mass index categories in type 2 diabetes: Results of the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials

Associations between body mass index (BMI) and the cardiovascular (CV) and kidney efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are uncertain; therefore, data analysed separately from the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial and the Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular and Other Long-term Outcomes with Semaglutide in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN 6) were examined. These international, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigated liraglutide and semaglutide (both subcutaneous) in patients with T2D and at high risk of CV events. In post hoc analyses, patients were categorized by baseline BMI (<25, ≥25-<30, ≥30-<35 and ≥35 kg/m² ), and CV and kidney outcomes with GLP-1 RA versus placebo were analysed. All baseline BMI data from LEADER (n = 9331) and SUSTAIN 6 (n = 3290) were included (91% and 92% of patients with overweight or obesity, respectively). In SUSTAIN 6, nominally significant heterogeneity of semaglutide efficacy by baseline BMI was observed for CV death/myocardial infarction/stroke (major adverse CV events, primary outcome of both; P_interaction = .02); otherwise, there was no statistical heterogeneity for either GLP-1 RA versus placebo across BMI categories for key CV and kidney outcomes. The lack of statistical heterogeneity from these cardiorenal outcomes implies that liraglutide and semaglutide may be beneficial for many patients and is probable not to depend on their baseline BMI, but further study is needed.

Effects of liraglutide and semaglutide on stroke subtypes in patients with type 2 diabetes: a post hoc analysis of the LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials

Introduction

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for stroke, with approximately a two-fold excess risk in people with versus those without diabetes. Accumulating evidence suggests glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues (including liraglutide and semaglutide) may reduce the risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Purpose

We examined the effect of liraglutide and semaglutide on stroke and its subtypes based on pooled data from LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6.

Methods

LEADER (NCT01179048), SUSTAIN 6 (NCT01720446) and PIONEER 6 (NCT02692716) were global randomised cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trials of liraglutide, subcutaneous semaglutide and oral semaglutide, respectively, in patients with T2D at high CV risk. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the effect of these GLP-1 analogue treatments (pooled) on time to first occurrence of all strokes and subtypes of stroke. Ischaemic stroke was subcategorised according to the TOAST classification, based on aetiology by an external blinded reviewer. A Cox proportional hazards model stratified by trial with pooled treatment as a factor was used to examine treatment effects.

Results

Across the three trials, 216/7907 (2.7%) patients in the GLP-1 analogue group and 262/7913 (3.3%) in the placebo group had a stroke. The risk of first occurrence of all strokes was significantly reduced in the GLP-1 analogue versus placebo group (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.98; p=0.030). Treatment effects were consistent across stroke subtypes: ischaemic (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69–1.02; p=0.08), haemorrhagic (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.42–1.22; p=0.22) and undetermined (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.32–1.60; p=0.41; Figure 1). Across TOAST subcategories, there was a trend that GLP-1 analogue treatment had the greatest benefit versus placebo in small vessel occlusion strokes compared with large artery disease or cardioembolic strokes; however, no statistically significant effects were found in any subcategory.

Conclusion

In this post hoc analysis of the LEADER, SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6 trials, GLP-1 analogue treatment reduced the risk of stroke in patients with T2D and high CV risk, with an indication using TOAST criteria of the strongest effect on stroke caused by small vessel occlusion.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk A/S. WDS is supported by the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility. MAJ is supported by the NIHR SW Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration. This abstract does not necessarily reflect the views of the NIHR, the Exeter Clinical Research Facility, the NHS or the UK Department of Health.

Cardiovascular and renal outcomes by baseline albuminuria status and renal function: Results from the LEADER randomized trial

AIM

To assess cardiorenal outcomes by baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the contemporary LEADER cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LEADER was a multinational, double-blind trial. Patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular (CV) risk were randomized 1:1 to the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide (≤1.8 mg daily; n = 4668) or placebo (n = 4672) plus standard care and followed for 3.5 to 5 years. Primary composite outcomes were time to first non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or CV death. Post hoc Cox regression analyses of outcomes by baseline UACR and eGFR subgroups were conducted with adjustment for baseline variables.

RESULTS

In the LEADER population, 1598 (17.5%), 2917 (31.9%), 1200 (13.1%), 1611 (17.6%), 845 (9.2%) and 966 (10.6%) had UACR = 0, >0 to <15, 15 to <30, 30 to <100, 100 to <300 and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Increasing UACR and decreasing eGFR were linked with higher risks of the primary outcome, heart failure hospitalization, a composite renal outcome and death (P-values for the Cochran-Armitage test for trends were all <.0001). Across UACR and eGFR subgroups, risks of cardiorenal events and death were generally lower or similar with liraglutide versus placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In a contemporary type 2 diabetes population, increasing baseline UACR and declining eGFR were linked with higher risks of cardiorenal events and death.

Impact of microvascular disease on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: Results from the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 clinical trials

The randomized, double-blind, cardiovascular outcomes trials LEADER (NCT01179048) and SUSTAIN 6 (NCT01720446) showed cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with liraglutide and semaglutide, respectively, compared with placebo. This post hoc analysis examined the impact of microvascular disease at baseline on cardiovascular outcomes in these trials, and the efficacy of liraglutide (1.8 mg) and once-weekly semaglutide (0.5-1.0 mg) in patients with and without microvascular disease. In total, 9340 patients from LEADER and 3297 patients from SUSTAIN 6 were included in this analysis; of these, 5761 and 2356 had a history of microvascular disease at baseline and 3835 and 1640 had a history of both microvascular and macrovascular disease, respectively. Patients with microvascular disease were shown to have an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with patients without microvascular disease (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] in LEADER: 1.15 [1.03; 1.29], P = .0136; SUSTAIN 6: 1.56 [1.14; 2.17], P = .0064). Liraglutide and semaglutide consistently reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with and without microvascular disease.

Effects of semaglutide on risk of cardiovascular events across a continuum of cardiovascular risk: combined post hoc analysis of the SUSTAIN and PIONEER trials

BACKGROUND

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) available in subcutaneous (s.c.) and oral formulations. Two cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trials showed that in subjects with T2D at high risk of CV events there were fewer major adverse CV events (MACE; defined as CV death, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction) with semaglutide than with placebo (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.74 [0.58;0.95] for once-weekly s.c. semaglutide and 0.79 [0.57;1.11] for once-daily oral semaglutide). However, there is little evidence for an effect of semaglutide on MACE in subjects not at high risk of CV events. This post hoc analysis examined CV effects of semaglutide in subjects across a continuum of baseline CV risk.

METHODS

Data from the s.c. (SUSTAIN) and oral (PIONEER) semaglutide phase 3a clinical trial programs were combined according to randomized treatment (semaglutide or comparators) and analyzed to assess time to first MACE and its individual components. A CV risk model was developed with independent data from the LEADER trial (liraglutide vs placebo), considering baseline variables common to all datasets. Semaglutide data were analyzed to assess effects of treatment as a function of CV risk predicted using the CV risk prediction model.

RESULTS

The CV risk prediction model performed satisfactorily when applied to the semaglutide data set (area under the curve: 0.77). There was a reduced relative and absolute risk of MACE for semaglutide vs comparators across the entire continuum of CV risk. While the relative risk reduction tended to be largest with low CV risk score, the largest absolute risk reduction was for intermediate to high CV risk score. Similar results were seen for relative risk reduction of the individual MACE components and also when only placebo comparator data were included.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide reduced the risk of MACE vs comparators across the continuum of baseline CV risk in a broad T2D population. Trial registrations ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02054897, NCT01930188, NCT01885208, NCT02128932, NCT02305381, NCT01720446, NCT02207374, NCT02254291, NCT02906930, NCT02863328, NCT02607865, NCT02863419, NCT02827708, NCT02692716, NCT02849080, NCT03021187, NCT03018028, NCT03015220.

The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists liraglutide and semaglutide on cardiovascular and renal outcomes across baseline blood pressure categories: Analysis of the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials

It is unknown if the cardioprotective and renal effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are consistent across blood pressure (BP) categories in patients with type 2 diabetes and at high risk of cardiovascular events. Using data from the LEADER (9340 patients) and SUSTAIN 6 (3297 patients) trials, we evaluated post hoc the cardiorenal effect of liraglutide and semaglutide on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and nephropathy by baseline BP categories using a Cox proportional hazards model (treatment and subgroup as factors; adjusted for cardiorenal risk factors). Data from the two trials were analysed separately. In the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 trials, the prevalence of stage 1 hypertension was 30% and 31%, respectively, and of stage 2 hypertension 41% and 43%, respectively. There was no statistical heterogeneity across the BP categories for the effects of liraglutide (P = .06 for MACE; P = .14 for nephropathy) or semaglutide (P = .40 for MACE; P = .27 for nephropathy) versus placebo. This implies that liraglutide and semaglutide may be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, irrespective of their baseline BP.

Sex-specific reference ranges of cerebroplacental and umbilicocerebral ratios: longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

Observational studies have shown that low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) values predict an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. The inverse ratio, i.e. the umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR), has been suggested to be a better predictor as it rises with increasing degree of fetal compromise. However, longitudinal reference ranges for UCR have not been established, and whether gestational-age-dependent changes in CPR or UCR differ between male and female fetuses has not been studied. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate sex-specific, gestational-age-associated serial changes in CPR and UCR during the second half of pregnancy and to establish longitudinal reference ranges.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from a dual-center longitudinal observational cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies. Doppler blood-flow velocity waveforms were obtained serially from the umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) from 19-41 weeks' gestation, and pulsatility indices (PIs) were determined. CPR and UCR were calculated as the ratios MCA-PI/UA-PI and UA-PI/MCA-PI, respectively. The course and outcome of pregnancies were recorded, and the sex of the fetus was determined after delivery. Reference intervals for CPR and UCR were constructed using multilevel modeling, and gestational-age-specific Z-scores in male and female fetuses were compared.

RESULTS

Of a total of 299 pregnancies enrolled, 284 (148 male and 136 female fetuses) were included in the final analysis, and 979 paired measurements of UA-PI and MCA-PI were used to construct sex-specific longitudinal reference intervals. The relationship of both CPR and UCR with gestational age was U-shaped, but in opposite directions. There was a small but significant difference in Z-scores of CPR and UCR between male and female fetuses throughout the second half of pregnancy (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

We have established longitudinal reference ranges for CPR and UCR suitable for serial monitoring, with the possibility of refining assessment by using fetal sex-specific ranges and conditioning by a previous measurement. The clinical significance of such refinements needs further evaluation. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Occurence of First and Recurrent Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events With Liraglutide Treatment Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and High Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

After the occurrence of nonfatal cardiovascular events, recurrent events are highly likely. Most cardiovascular outcomes trials analyze first events only; extending analyses to first and recurrent (total) events can provide clinically meaningful information.

Objective

To investigate whether liraglutide is associated with reduced first and recurrent total major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with placebo among patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular events.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc analysis of the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) randomized, double-blind, clinical trial included data from patients with type 2 diabetes who had established or were at high risk for cardiovascular disease at 410 sites in 32 countries from August 2010, to December 2015. Data analysis was performed from August 15, 2016, to July 5, 2019.

Interventions

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive liraglutide (up to 1.8 mg per day) or placebo, both with standard care, for 3.5 to 5.0 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Assessed outcomes were MACE (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke), expanded MACE (primary MACE plus coronary revascularization and hospitalization for heart failure or unstable angina pectoris), and the individual end points.

Results

The 9340 LEADER trial participants (6003 [64.3%] male; mean [SD] age, 64.3 [7.2] years) experienced 1605 total MACE (1302 first and 303 recurrent events; median follow-up, 3.8 years [range, 0-5.2 years]). Patients who experienced any MACE were older (1 MACE: mean [SD] age, 65.6 [8.0] years; >1 MACE: 65.7 [7.9] years) and had diabetes for longer duration (1 MACE: mean [SD] duration, 13.4 [8.3] years; >1 MACE: 14.4 [8.7] years) compared with patients without MACE (mean [SD] age, 64.1 [7.1] years; mean [SD] duration, 12.7 [7.9] years). Fewer first and recurrent MACE occurred in the liraglutide group (n = 4668; 608 first and 127 recurrent events) than in the placebo group (n = 4672; 694 first and 176 recurrent events). Liraglutide was associated with a 15.7% relative risk reduction in total MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76-0.93) and a 13.4% reduction in total expanded MACE (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93) compared with placebo. For most individual cardiovascular end points, liraglutide was associated with lower risk vs placebo.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that liraglutide treatment is associated with reduced total MACE compared with placebo among patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular events. This analysis supports the findings of an absolute benefit of liraglutide treatment with respect to the overall burden of cardiovascular events in this high-risk patient population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01179048.