Does autoinjected exenatide suspension improve blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin therapy?

This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a new formulation of exenatide compared to sitaglipitin in patients with sub-optimal blood sugar control taking metformin.

This study concluded that exenatide reduced blood sugar levels over 3 months more effectively than sitaglipitin. 

There are many blood glucose-lowering medications available for the treatment of diabetes. Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is often prescribed in combination with other glucose-lowering medications. One type of medication targets a receptor called glucagon-like peptide receptor or GLP-1r. Exenatide and sitagliptin are two such medications. Exenatide activates GLP-1r and sitagliptin enhances activity of GLP-1r.

Exenatide has been shown to be more effective than sitagliptin at reducing blood sugar when administered once weekly using a dual-chamber pen. Exenatide is now available in a suspension form, at the same dose, which makes it easier to administer. Ease of use is important and can impact how well the patient manages blood glucose. 

The safety and effectiveness of the new formulation of exenatide is investigated in this study.

311 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either exenatide once-weekly suspension for autoinjection (QWS-AI), sitagliptin, or placebo (substance with no active effect) while maintaining standard metformin therapy. Assessment was performed at the end of a 28-week period.

Exenatide QWS-AI reduced HbA1c levels (average blood glucose over 3 months) more than sitagliptin or placebo. More patients receiving exenatide QWS-AI achieved an HbA1c level less than 7% (43.1% exenatide versus 32% sitagliptin). 

Body weight decreased with both exenatide QWS-AI and sitagliptin. Side effects were reported by 55.8% of patients receiving exenatide QWS-AI, compared to 32.8% of sitagliptin and 47.5% of placebo patients. The most common side effects associated with exenatide QWS-AI were gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) and injection-site reactions.

This study concluded that exenatide QWS-AI is more effective than sitagliptin in reducing blood sugar levels in combination with standard metformin therapy.

Managing blood glucose levels is important for managing type 2 diabetes. Please discuss this with your doctor if you have any concerns.