In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect lixisenatide (Lyxumia, Adlyxin) has on the kidneys in patients with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and heart disease. The main finding was that lixisenatide reduced the development of kidney disease in these patients.
Some background
Patients with T2D have high levels of sugar in their blood. This sugar gets deposited in different organs, causing organ damage. One of the most common organs to be damaged in T2D is the kidney. The severity of kidney disease can be measured through the amount of protein in the urine (albuminuria). The greater the amount of protein in the urine, the worse the kidney disease is. When the kidneys are damaged, there is a higher risk of heart disease. Lixisenatide is a blood sugar lowering drug that has proven safe in patients with T2D and heart disease. The effects of lixisenatide on kidney disease in these patients remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study included 6068 patients with both T2D and heart disease. Half of the patients were treated with lixisenatide and half with a placebo (a substance with no effects on the body). Patients were followed up for an average of 108 weeks.
At follow-up, in the placebo group, the amount of protein in the urine either increased or stayed the same. In the lixisenatide group, there was a reduction in the amount of protein in the urine. The biggest reduction in protein was seen in patients who already had a large amount of protein in the urine when the trial began. The study also found that patients treated with lixisenatide were at a 20% reduced risk of developing protein in the urine.
The bottom line
This study concluded that lixisenatide can reduce the risk of kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The authors determined that it has the greatest effect on those who already have some kidney disease.
The fine print
This study was funded by Sanofi, the manufacturer of lixisenatide.
What’s next?
Discuss lixisenatide as a treatment option with your doctor.
Published By :
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology
Date :
Oct 01, 2018
