In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and benefits of starting sotagliflozin (Zynquista) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were recently hospitalized for heart failure. They found that patients started on sotagliflozin within 2 days of discharge from the hospital had a lower risk of serious complications including heart-related hospitalization or death.
Some background
Sotagliflozin belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. These drugs work by stimulating the kidneys to remove more glucose out of the body through urine. They have been shown to reduce the risk of death or worsening heart failure in patients with T2D with stable heart failure. However, it is not known if it is safe and beneficial to start these medications immediately after an episode of worsening heart failure.
Methods & findings
This study involved 1222 patients with T2D who had been recently hospitalized for heart failure. These patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received sotagliflozin which was started in the hospital or within 2 days of discharge. Group 2 received a placebo. Patients were followed up for an average of 9 months to monitor for complications of heart failure including hospitalization and death.
Overall, the risk of experiencing a serious event such as death or hospitalization from heart failure was 33% lower in the group receiving sotagliflozin.
Side effects reported more commonly in the sotagliflozin group were diarrhea (6.1% vs 3.4%) and dangerously low blood glucose (hypoglycemia; 1.5% vs 0.3%). Low blood pressure and kidney damage were similar in the 2 groups.
The bottom line
This study showed that sotagliflozin reduces the risk of heart failure-related hospitalization or death in patients with T2D with a recent worsening of heart failure.
The fine print
This study was stopped early due to loss of funding, therefore they were not able to assess all the outcomes that they intended. This study was funded by Sanofi and Lexicon, the manufacturers of sotagliflozin.
What’s next?
Speak to your physician about the role of sotagliflozin in reducing your risk of heart failure complications.
Published By :
The New England Journal of Medicine
Date :
Nov 16, 2020
