Linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic agents that have been rapidly adopted since their introduction in 2006. There are now five agents in global use, with three approved for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the USA. The results of Phase III clinical trials for linagliptin, a new addition to this class of inhibitors (approved by the FDA on 2 May 2011), have now been published. We reported on a 24-week Phase III trial of linagliptin administered as monotherapy in patients with T2D. This agent is characterized by a pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile that may have important implications for the choice of treatment in certain patient populations.     

Linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic agents that have been rapidly adopted since their introduction in 2006. There are now five agents in global use, with three approved for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the USA. The results of Phase III clinical trials for linagliptin, a new addition to this class of inhibitors (approved by the FDA on 2 May 2011), have now been published. We reported on a 24-week Phase III trial of linagliptin administered as monotherapy in patients with T2D. This agent is characterized by a pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile that may have important implications for the choice of treatment in certain patient populations.     

Linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a drug safety evaluation

Introduction: Established treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have side effects that limit their use in specific populations. New therapies with improved safety profiles are needed, especially because of the chronic and progressive nature of T2DM.

Areas covered: This review describes the overall safety and tolerability of linagliptin – a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that improves glycemic control without increasing risk for hypoglycemia and without weight gain. Specifically, the safety of linagliptin is evaluated in difficult-to-treat patients with T2DM, in relation to risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and acute pancreatitis, and in comparison with other antihyperglycemic drugs.

Expert opinion: Linagliptin is generally well tolerated in a broad range of patient populations. It can be used in patients with renal impairment without dose titration and may be a rational alternative treatment in this vulnerable population. Ongoing long-term trials are fully evaluating the CV and renal safety profile of linagliptin.     

Linagliptin: in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Linagliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has a favourable pharmacokinetic profile in terms of its predominantly non-renal elimination. It shows highly selective, potent, dose-dependent inhibition of DPP-4, with ≥ 80% inhibition of DPP-4 throughout the 24-hour dosing interval. In two double-blind, multicentre trials (n?>350 evaluable patients/trial) in adult patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, oral linagliptin monotherapy (5 or 10?mg once daily) was significantly more effective than placebo in improving glycaemic control and several parameters of pancreatic function, with placebo-corrected adjusted mean changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) levels of -0.69% to -0.88% after 12 or 24 weeks. Linagliptin 5 or 10?mg once daily was also significantly more efficacious than voglibose 0.2?mg three times daily in terms of improving glycaemic control in a 26-week, double-blind, multicentre trial (n?>450 evaluable patients). In several similarly designed trials (n?>250 evaluable patients/trial) of 12-24 weeks' duration in adult patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, oral linagliptin (5?mg once daily) as add-on therapy to metformin, a sulfonylurea drug or metformin plus a sulfonylurea drug, or in combination with pioglitazone, improved glycaemic control significantly more than placebo plus the respective oral antihyperglycaemic therapy, with improvements in adjusted mean HbA(1c) levels considered clinically relevant. Linagliptin, as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antihyperglycaemic drugs, was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, having neutral or minimal effects on bodyweight and generally being associated with a very low incidence of hypoglycaemia.     

利拉列汀治疗2型糖尿病的系统评价

目的:系统评价利拉列汀治2型糖尿病疗效及安全性。方法:检索Cochrane图书馆,PubMed,EMBASE,CBM,VIP,CNKI数据库。根据Cochrane手册对纳入的随机对照试验(RCT)进行质量评价,并用RevMan5.0软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入3个研究,Meta分析结果显示:在降低患者糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)水平方面利拉列汀的疗效明显优于安慰剂组,且差异具有统计学意义[MD=-0.67,95%CI(-0.77,-0.57),P<0.01];利拉列汀在降低2型糖尿病患者空腹血糖方面的疗效明显优于安慰剂组,且差异具有统计学意义[MD=-1.25,95%CI(-1.56,-0.94),P<0.01];利拉列汀的不良反应发生率与安慰剂组相似,2组差异无统计学意义[OR=0.87,95%CI(0.69,1.10),P=0.24]。结论:系统评价结果显示,利拉列汀能有效治疗2型糖尿病,但其远期疗效及安全性有待进一步研究探讨。     

治疗2型糖尿病新药利拉利汀

利拉利汀(linagliptin)是口服的强效、选择性二肽基肽酶-4抑制剂,用于治疗2型糖尿病,2011年5月2日获美国FDA批准上市。临床研究表明,利拉利汀作为单药治疗或与二甲双胍、吡格列酮等药物联合治疗能有效改善血糖控制,没有明显的体重改变,发生低血糖的风险较低。文中就其作用机制、药效学、药代动力学、临床疗效及安全性等做一综述。     

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Clinicians have many safe and effective options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that can improve glycemic control and effect other cardio-metabolic parameters. Sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2) are the most recent class of therapies, have a novel mechanism of action, and provide good glycemic efficacy and a favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Cost-effectiveness data can play an important role in assessing the benefits of this class of therapy in anti-diabetes treatment regimens.

Areas covered: This review summarizes all the available evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of SGLT-2 inhibitors. For the purposes of this article, the authors have performed a systematic review of pharmacoeconomic analyses through a non-restricted literature until June 2018.

Expert opinion: The available analyses demonstrate that SGLT-2 inhibitors are a more cost-effective option compared to other oral anti-diabetes therapies and insulin in the treatment of individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Future studies should examine populations with renal and liver disease and expand data of some SGLT-2 inhibitors to patients at high cardiovascular risk and hard endpoint data.     

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluation of insulin glargine U300 for the treatment of type 1 diabetes

Introduction: Glargine 300 units/ml (Gla-300) is a novel basal insulin formulation approved in 2015 for the treatment of diabetes. This more concentrated form of glargine causes delayed redissolution from the subcutaneous depot after injection and thus altered action profile.

Areas covered: The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of Gla-300 in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) will be reviewed.

Expert opinion: Gla-300 has a flatter and more prolonged pharmacokinetic profile compared to glargine 100 units/ml (Gla-100), but is less potent on a unit per unit basis. The prolonged duration of Gla-300 should provide 24h coverage with a single daily dose in all patients. Two phase III trials comparing Gla-300 and Gla-100 were conducted in patients with T1DM. A1C reduction and other measures of glycemic control were similar between groups. Hypoglycemia rates were similar among groups in one trial, but favored Gla-300 in the other. Evidence for improvement in hypoglycemia with Gla-300 is more convincing in the type 2 diabetes population. Gla-300 is available in an insulin pen to mitigate potential dosing errors with different glargine concentrations; the maximum dose per injection is 80 units. Future research should include direct comparison with degludec and use in insulin-resistant populations.     

Linagliptin,a xanthine-based dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor with an unusual profile for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Importance of the field: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease for which current treatments are often unsatisfactory with respect to achieving therapeutic goals and unwanted side effects.

Areas covered: Preclinical and clinical studies of linagliptin, a new oral antidiabetic agent, including data presented at Scientific Meetings and peer-reviewed studies published since 2007.

What the reader will gain: This article reviews pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of linagliptin. Linagliptin belongs to a new chemical class of dipeptidyl pepidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which comprise xanthine-based compounds. It is a potent, long-acting inhibitor with high selectivity for DPP-4 versus the related enzymes DPP-8 and DPP-9. The drug has modest oral availability in humans, but is absorbed rapidly to inhibit plasma DPP-4 activity by > 80% over 24 h. It is not metabolized appreciably in vivo, but binds extensively to plasma proteins, with elimination occurring primarily in the liver. Linagliptin reduces degradation of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 and is associated with reduced fasting and postprandial glucose in preclinical and clinical studies. Limited data from longer duration clinical trials show it improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Take home message: Linagliptin is a new oral antidiabetic agent associated with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, which holds promise for treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Dulaglutide (LY-2189265) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Dulaglutide is a new once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for the management of hyperglycemia in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. It stimulates dose-dependent insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion, both in a glucose-dependent manner. Efficacy on blood glucose control and safety were demonstrated in the large AWARD program in type 2 diabetic patients treated with diet, metformin, dual oral therapy or insulin lispro with or without metformin, confirming findings of pilot studies in Caucasian patients and data in Japanese patients. Dulaglutide 1.5 mg once weekly was superior to metformin, sitagliptin, insulin glargine and exenatide twice daily, and non-inferior to liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily regarding the reduction in glycated hemoglobin. A modest but significant weight loss was consistently observed. Most frequent adverse events were transient and generally mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Clinical outcomes of dulaglutide will not be known until the large prospective cardiovascular outcome trial REWIND is complete.     

Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of exenatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs are a group of therapeutic agents which mimic endogenous GLP-1, exerting their effect by the stimulation of the GLP-1 receptor with a wide distribution. Its activation increases insulin releasing dependent on blood glucose levels, suppression of glucagon secretion and a reduction of hepatic glucose output. It delays gastric emptying and increases satiety. Exenatide is the synthetic version of exendin-4, a natural peptide with similar properties to human GLP-1. There are two pharmaceutical forms, for subcutaneous injection: twice daily and once weekly.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend them because of a high efficacy reducing hyperglycemia, low risk of hypoglycemia and a significative weight loss effect. Gastrointestinal adverse events are the most common beside injection site-related. Their cost is the main limitation to use.

Areas covered: We review the recent literature investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and efficacy-safety studies of exenatide twice daily and once weekly in type 2 diabetes

Expert opinion: GLP-1 receptor analogs are now positioned as an effective and safe drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Exenatide significally reduces HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose. Additionally, it produces moderate weight loss and decreases blood pressure. One weekly formulation may improve compliance while cost is still a limitation. EXSCEL trial has shown that, despite cardiovascular safety, exenatide do not exhibits cardiovascular benefits.     

An up-to-date evaluation of alogliptin benzoate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A growth in the market for anti-diabetic drugs, along with an ever-increasing population suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requires a critical re-evaluation of anti-diabetic drugs used for a long time, in order to provide up-to-date practical prescribing information for clinicians. Alogliptin benzoate was firstly approved in 2010 in Japan for T2DM, both as a monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs.

Areas covered: This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest data on alogliptin benzoate, including hypoglycemic activity and safety.

Expert opinion: The cumulative evidence for alogliptin benzoate is robust with regards to glycemic efficacy and safety. Low hypoglycemia risks and weight changes support its consideration as a first-line medication for T2DM, either as a monotherapy or in combination therapy with other anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin. Ongoing trials will look to better analyze and address its safety and efficacy in pediatric patients and expand our clinical knowledge of this medication.     

Alogliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a drug safety evaluation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors such as alogliptin are becoming more widely established as treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) because of their ability to improve glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. New therapies with improved safety profiles are needed, especially because of the chronic and progressive nature of T2DM.

Areas covered: In this article, the overall safety and tolerability of alogliptin are evaluated based upon a review of the literature. In particular, adverse events (AEs) that have been of interest for the DPP-4 class of drugs, such as the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events and acute pancreatitis, will be investigated in detail.

Expert opinion: Alogliptin is generally well-tolerated in a broad range of patient populations including different ethnic groups and the elderly. In the pivotal EXAMINE clinical trial, alogliptin was found not to be associated with an increased risk of major CV events or acute pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer.     

Linagliptin: a review of its use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Linagliptin (Trajenta?, Tradjenta?, Trazenta?, Trayenta?) is an oral, highly selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and is the first agent of its class to be eliminated predominantly via a nonrenal route. Linagliptin is indicated for once-daily use for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a twice-daily fixed-dose combination of linagliptin/metformin (Jentadueto?) is also available. In this article, the pharmacological, clinical efficacy and tolerability data relevant to the use of linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes are reviewed. The efficacy of oral linagliptin in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes has been investigated in several double-blind, multicentre trials. Following 12-24 weeks of treatment, improvements in glycaemic control parameters, including glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c); primary endpoint in all trials), were seen with linagliptin relative to placebo when used as monotherapy, initial combination therapy (with metformin or pioglitazone) or add-on therapy to other oral antihyperglycaemia agents (metformin and/or a sulfonylurea) or basal insulin (with or without metformin and/or pioglitazone). In terms of lowering HbA(1c), linagliptin was more effective than voglibose in a 26-week monotherapy trial and noninferior to glimepiride when used as add-on therapy to metformin in a 104-week study. Additional trials and subgroup analyses of pooled data suggest that linagliptin improves glycaemic control regardless of factors such as age, duration of type 2 diabetes, ethnicity and renal function, and as linagliptin is eliminated primarily via a nonrenal route, it can be used without dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment of any degree. Oral linagliptin was generally well tolerated and was associated with a low likelihood of hypoglycaemia (except when used in combination with a sulfonylurea) and had little effect on bodyweight. Further long-term and comparative efficacy and tolerability data are required to help position linagliptin more definitively with respect to other antihyperglycaemia agents. However, clinical data currently available indicate that linagliptin is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment option for use in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those with renal impairment for whom other antihyperglycaemia agents require dosage adjustment or are not suitable.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug evaluation of tofogliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are a new class of drugs that are increasingly used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among these, tofogliflozin has recently received marketing approval in Japan.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of tofogliflozin for the treatment of T2DM, and provide a rationale for its use in such patients.

Expert opinion: Despite the very promising characteristics of tofogliflozin in improvement of glycemic and metabolic parameters, a number of issues await consideration. One important question relates to the manner in which tofogliflozin mediates metabolic changes. Additionally, safety issues, namely hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, pollakiuria and polyuria, urinary and genital tract infections, and potential other adverse events, need to be better monitored by pharmacovigilance programs. Ultimately, although tofogliflozin seems a promising agent that physicians are likely to embrace with excitement in the T2DM therapeutic area, longer duration trials are expected to verify this speculation and to increase our experience.     

Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Combining a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor is an attractive option to treat hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes.

Areas covered: The saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin combination is carefully analysed, focusing on: 1) pharmacokinetic properties, 2) pharmacodynamics data, and 3) results of randomised controlled trials (dual combination versus either monotherapy, sequential therapy saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin added to saxagliptin).

Expert opinion: Pharmacokinetic findings demonstrate the absence of drug-drug interaction and the bioequivalence of the FDC compared with separated tablets. Pharmacodynamic observations confirm a complementary mode of action of the two agents. Dual saxagliptin-dapagliflozin therapy is more potent than either monotherapy. It may be used as an initial combination, although this approach remains debatable and should probably be reserved in case of high glycated hemoglobin, or a stepwise strategy, according to a personalized approach. The developed saxagliptin-dapagliflozin FDC may simplify anti-hyperglycemic therapy and improve drug compliance.     

Pharmacology of exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

New therapies for the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes are needed to ameliorate declining pancreatic beta-cell function. Ideally, these therapies should lower fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, produce no hypoglycemia or weight gain, cause no other limiting side effects, and reduce cardiovascular complications. Exenatide (synthetic exendin-4) is a potential therapeutic which may fulfill these criteria. Dose-ranging studies have identified an optimal dose of 0.05 to 0.2 microgram/kg administered subcutaneously twice daily. Pharmacokinetic data support a pivotal study design which mitigates the transient nausea observed in early studies by including a dose initiation period of 1 month at 5 micrograms twice daily, followed by maintenance therapy at 10 micrograms twice daily. Ongoing studies suggest exenatide improves glycemic control through a combination of mechanisms discussed in this review.     

Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of empagliflozin plus linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus has become a growing epidemic and therefore efficient treatment strategies that target its management are needed. The treatment of diabetic patients often requires the combination of antidiabetic drug classes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) block glucose reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) improve glucose metabolism by blocking the enzyme that degrades incretins leading to increased insulin secretion.

Areas covered: The aim of the review is to present the available data on pharmacokinetic properties/pharmacodynamics, metabolic and cardiovascular effects of empagliflozin plus linagliptin combination.

Expert opinion: Both empagliflozin and linagliptin have established safety and efficacy in the treatment of diabetes. Available data demonstrate the absence of pharmacological interactions when the two drugs are given together. The complementary mechanisms of action would be expected to provide additive benefits on carbohydrate metabolism variables, but the results from clinical trials have shown that the empagliflozin/linagliptin combination provides only mild improvements of glycated hemoglobin compared with either monotherapy. However, the single-tablet formulation of empagliflozin/linagliptin is expected to provide better compliance and thus improved glycaemic control coupled with a favourable safety profile. Thus, the fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin/linagliptin has the capacity to both effectively and safely manage diabetic patients.     

Luseogliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are expected to provide adequate glycemic control, and be safe and well tolerated, for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Luseogliflozin is a highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor that was recently approved for marketing and launched in Japan to treat T2DM.

Areas covered: This review summarizes the published data regarding the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of luseogliflozin for treating T2DM. Other potential benefits of luseogliflozin, including lowering body weight and blood pressure, beyond its glucose-lowering effects are also discussed.

Expert opinion: Luseogliflozin lowers plasma glucose concentration and body weight, and has beneficial effects on other clinically relevant parameters, including blood pressure and uric acid, in patients with T2DM. Although it had a good safety profile in clinical trials, there may be some safety concerns, including a possible decrease in muscle mass and an increase in ketone bodies. Therefore, careful administration and consideration of its benefit–risk balance are necessary. When using luseogliflozin, it is important to select appropriate patients and to adhere to its guidelines for use. If used correctly, luseogliflozin is expected to be positioned as a new type of oral hypoglycemic drug for treating T2DM.