New longer-acting insulin glargine

This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of a new insulin glargine (Gla-300, Toujeo). The study concluded that Gla–300 provides a similar level of blood sugar control as the current standard insulin glargine (Lantus).

Insulin glargine is a long-acting form of insulin. Long-acting insulin is often used to provide stable blood insulin levels throughout the day. Insulin glargine was the first long-acting insulin approved for the treatment of diabetes. 

New insulin glargine, Gla-300 has been shown to work for a longer duration and therefore may allow greater flexibility in injection timing compared with the standard insulin glargine.  The safety and effectiveness of the new insulin remains unclear.

The current study looked at the safety and effectiveness of the new Gla-300 insulin in type 1 diabetes. 549 patients were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the new Gla-300 or to receive standard insulin glargine once daily. Injections were given in the morning or evening. The study compared treatment effectiveness and safety over 6 months.

Overall, Gla-300 was as effective as standard insulin glargine at maintaining blood glucose control. Gla-300 was as effective when injected in the morning compared to the evening.

Slower weight gain was seen among those treated with Gla-300 compared with standard insulin glargine. At 6 months the weight increase was 0.5 kg with Gla-300 and 1.0 kg with insulin glargine.  Rates of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) were similar. However, in the first 8 weeks of the study, severe or nighttime hypoglycemia was less likely with Gla-300.

The study concluded that Gla-300 provided a similar level of blood sugar control compared to the current standard insulin glargine, with lower rates of hypoglycemia and weight gain.

43 people (16%) in the Gla-300 group and 39 people (14%) from the standard insulin glargine group discontinued the insulin treatments assigned before the end of the 6 months.