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Once-Weekly Diabetic Shots: Efficacy and Safety
Introduction to Once-Weekly Insulin Treatments
The development of once-weekly insulin treatments aims to improve adherence and acceptance among patients with type 2 diabetes by reducing the frequency of injections. This article synthesizes recent research on the efficacy and safety of various once-weekly insulin treatments, including insulin icodec, Basal Insulin Fc (BIF), and exenatide.
Insulin Icodec: Efficacy and Safety
Efficacy of Insulin Icodec
Insulin icodec, a basal insulin analogue designed for once-weekly administration, has shown promising results in a 26-week randomized trial. The study compared insulin icodec with once-daily insulin glargine U100 in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results indicated that insulin icodec achieved a mean reduction in HbA1c of -1.33 percentage points, compared to -1.15 percentage points with insulin glargine, demonstrating comparable glucose-lowering efficacy.
Safety Profile of Insulin Icodec
The safety profile of insulin icodec was similar to that of insulin glargine. The rates of hypoglycemia and insulin-related adverse events were low and comparable between the two groups. Most adverse events were mild, and no serious events were related to the trial medications.
Basal Insulin Fc (BIF): Pharmacokinetics and Safety
Pharmacokinetics and Glycemic Control
Basal Insulin Fc (BIF) is another once-weekly insulin option, evaluated in a phase 1 trial involving Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that BIF had a prolonged pharmacokinetic profile with a half-life of 15 days. Glycemic control was maintained without significant increases in fasting glucose levels, contrasting with the control group treated with insulin degludec.
Safety of BIF
The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was low and comparable between BIF and insulin degludec. Hypoglycemic events were reported but were not severe, and all TEAEs were mild and nonserious.
Once-Weekly Exenatide: Pediatric and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Efficacy in Pediatric Patients
Once-weekly exenatide has been evaluated for its efficacy in youth with type 2 diabetes. A 24-week study showed that exenatide significantly reduced HbA1c levels by -0.36% compared to a +0.49% increase in the placebo group. This indicates that exenatide is effective in improving glycemic control in pediatric patients.
Cardiovascular Safety
A large-scale study assessed the cardiovascular outcomes of once-weekly exenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study concluded that exenatide was noninferior to placebo in terms of safety, with no significant differences in the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, it did not demonstrate superiority in efficacy over placebo.
Conclusion
Once-weekly insulin treatments, including insulin icodec, Basal Insulin Fc (BIF), and exenatide, offer promising alternatives to daily injections for patients with type 2 diabetes. These treatments have shown comparable efficacy in lowering HbA1c levels and maintaining glycemic control, with safety profiles similar to existing daily insulin therapies. Further research and long-term studies are needed to fully establish their benefits and potential risks.
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