Effects of liraglutide (NN2211), a long-acting GLP-1 analogue, on glycaemic control and bodyweight in subjects with Type 2 diabetes

Diabet Med. 2005 Aug;22(8):1016-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01567.x.

Abstract

Aims: Liraglutide (NN2211) is a long-acting GLP-1 analogue, with a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for once-daily administration. This multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group, double-dummy study explored the dose-response relationship of liraglutide effects on bodyweight and glycaemic control in subjects with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Subjects (BMI 27-42 kg/m(2)) with Type 2 diabetes who were previously treated with an OAD (oral anti-diabetic drug) monotherapy (69% with metformin), and had HbA(1c) < or = 10% were enrolled. After a 4-week metformin run-in period, 210 subjects (27-73 years, 60% female) were randomised to receive liraglutide (0.045-0.75 mg) once daily or continued on metformin 1000 mg b.d. for 12 weeks.

Results: Mean baseline values for the six treatment groups ranged from 6.8 to 7.5% for HbA(1c), and 8.06-9.44 mmol/l (145-170 mg/dl) for fasting plasma glucose. After 12-week treatment, a weight change of -0.05 to -1.9% was observed for the six treatment groups. Mean HbA(1c) changes from baseline for 0.045, 0.225, 0.45, 0.6, 0.75 mg liraglutide and metformin were +1.28%, +0.86%, +0.22%, +0.16%, +0.30% and +0.09%, respectively. No significant differences in HbA(1c) were observed between liraglutide and metformin groups at the three highest liraglutide dose levels (0.45, 0.6 and 0.75 mg). The lowest two liraglutide doses (0.045 mg and 0.225 mg) were not sufficient to maintain the fasting plasma glucose values achieved by metformin. No major hypoglycaemic episodes were reported. Episodes of nausea and/or vomiting were reported by 11 patients (6.3%) receiving liraglutide and three (8.8%) receiving metformin.

Conclusions: Once-daily liraglutide improved glycaemic control and weight, in a comparable degree to metformin. Liraglutide appeared to be safe and generally well tolerated. Higher doses of liraglutide merit study in future clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Glucagon / administration & dosage
  • Glucagon / analogs & derivatives*
  • Glucagon / therapeutic use*
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / analogs & derivatives
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / drug effects
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Liraglutide
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Liraglutide
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon