CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism Of Action
Increased concentrations of the
incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent
insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the
small intestine in response to meals. These hormones cause insulin release from
the pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner but are inactivated by
the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers
glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose
production. In patients with type 2 diabetes, concentrations of GLP-1 are
reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Alogliptin is a DPP-4
inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby
increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and
postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Alogliptin selectively binds to and inhibits
DPP-4 but not DPP-8 or DPP-9 activity in vitro at concentrations approximating
therapeutic exposures.
Pharmacodynamics
Single-dose administration of
NESINA to healthy subjects resulted in a peak inhibition of DPP-4 within two to
three hours after dosing. The peak inhibition of DPP-4 exceeded 93% across
doses of 12.5 mg to 800 mg. Inhibition of DPP-4 remained above 80% at 24 hours
for doses greater than or equal to 25 mg. Peak and total exposure over 24 hours
to active GLP-1 were three-to four-fold greater with NESINA (at doses of 25 to
200 mg) than placebo. In a 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study,
NESINA 25 mg demonstrated decreases in postprandial glucagon while increasing
postprandial active GLP-1 levels compared to placebo over an eight-hour period
following a standardized meal. It is unclear how these findings relate to changes
in overall glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In this study, NESINA 25 mg demonstrated decreases in two-hour postprandial
glucose compared to placebo (-30 mg/dL versus 17 mg/dL, respectively).
Multiple-dose administration of alogliptin to patients
with type 2 diabetes also resulted in a peak inhibition of DPP-4 within one to
two hours and exceeded 93% across all doses (25 mg, 100 mg and 400 mg) after a
single dose and after 14 days of once-daily dosing. At these doses of NESINA,
inhibition of DPP-4 remained above 81% at 24 hours after 14 days of dosing.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, four-arm,
parallel-group study, 257 subjects were administered either alogliptin 50 mg,
alogliptin 400 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg or placebo once daily for a total of
seven days. No increase in corrected QT (QTc) was observed with either dose of
alogliptin. At the 400 mg dose, peak alogliptin plasma concentrations were
19-fold higher than the peak concentrations following the maximum recommended
clinical dose of 25 mg.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of NESINA has been studied in
healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes. After administration of
single, oral doses up to 800 mg in healthy subjects, the peak plasma alogliptin
concentration (median Tmax) occurred one to two hours after dosing. At the
maximum recommended clinical dose of 25 mg, NESINA was eliminated with a mean
terminal half-life (T½) of approximately 21 hours.
After multiple-dose administration up to 400 mg for 14
days in patients with type 2 diabetes, accumulation of alogliptin was minimal
with an increase in total [e.g., area under the plasma concentration curve
(AUC)] and peak (i.e., Cmax) alogliptin exposures of 34% and 9%, respectively.
Total and peak exposure to alogliptin increased proportionally across single
doses and multiple doses of alogliptin ranging from 25 mg to 400 mg. The
intersubject coefficient of variation for alogliptin AUC was 17%. The
pharmacokinetics of NESINA was also shown to be similar in healthy subjects and
in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Absorption
The absolute bioavailability of NESINA is approximately
100%. Administration of NESINA with a high-fat meal results in no significant
change in total and peak exposure to alogliptin. NESINA may therefore be
administered with or without food.
Distribution
Following a single, 12.5 mg intravenous infusion of
alogliptin to healthy subjects, the volume of distribution during the terminal
phase was 417 L, indicating that the drug is well distributed into tissues.
Alogliptin is 20% bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism
Alogliptin does not undergo extensive metabolism and 60%
to 71% of the dose is excreted as unchanged drug in the urine.
Two minor metabolites were detected following
administration of an oral dose of [14C] alogliptin, NÂdemethylated,
M-I (less than 1% of the parent compound), and N-acetylated alogliptin, M-II
(less than 6% of the parent compound). M-I is an active metabolite and is an
inhibitor of DPP-4 similar to the parent molecule; M-II does not display any
inhibitory activity toward DPP-4 or other DPP-related enzymes. In vitro data
indicate that CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 contribute to the limited metabolism of
alogliptin.
Alogliptin exists predominantly as the (R)-enantiomer
(more than 99%) and undergoes little or no chiral conversion in vivo to the (S)-enantiomer.
The (S)-enantiomer is not detectable at the 25 mg dose.
Excretion
The primary route of elimination of [14C]
alogliptin-derived radioactivity occurs via renal excretion (76%) with 13%
recovered in the feces, achieving a total recovery of 89% of the administered
radioactive dose. The renal clearance of alogliptin (9.6 L/hr) indicates some
active renal tubular secretion and systemic clearance was 14.0 L/hr.
Special Populations
Renal Impairment
A single-dose, open-label study was conducted to evaluate
the pharmacokinetics of alogliptin 50 mg in patients with chronic renal
impairment compared with healthy subjects.
In patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine
clearance [CrCl] ≥ 60 to < 90 mL/min), an approximate 1.2-fold increase
in plasma AUC of alogliptin was observed. Because increases of this magnitude
are not considered clinically relevant, dose adjustment for patients with mild
renal impairment is not recommended.
In patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl
≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min), an approximate two-fold increase in plasma AUC of
alogliptin was observed. To maintain similar systemic exposures of NESINA to
those with normal renal function, the recommended dose is 12.5 mg once daily in
patients with moderate renal impairment.
In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl ≥ 15
to < 30 mL/min) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (CrCl < 15 mL/min or
requiring dialysis), an approximate three-and four-fold increase in plasma AUC
of alogliptin were observed, respectively. Dialysis removed approximately 7% of
the drug during a three-hour dialysis session. NESINA may be administered
without regard to the timing of the dialysis. To maintain similar systemic exposures
of NESINA to those with normal renal function, the recommended dose is 6.25 mg
once daily in patients with severe renal impairment, as well as in patients
with ESRD requiring dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment
Total exposure to alogliptin was approximately 10% lower
and peak exposure was approximately 8% lower in patients with moderate hepatic
impairment (Child-Pugh Grade B) compared to healthy subjects. The magnitude of
these reductions is not considered to be clinically meaningful. Patients with severe
hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Grade C) have not been studied. Use caution when
administering NESINA to patients with liver disease [see Use in Specific
Populations and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Gender
No dose adjustment of NESINA is necessary based on
gender. Gender did not have any clinically meaningful effect on the
pharmacokinetics of alogliptin.
Geriatric
No dose adjustment of NESINA is necessary based on age.
Age did not have any clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of
alogliptin.
Pediatric
Studies characterizing the pharmacokinetics of alogliptin
in pediatric patients have not been performed.
Race
No dose adjustment of NESINA is necessary based on race.
Race (White, Black, and Asian) did not have any clinically meaningful effect on
the pharmacokinetics of alogliptin.
Drug Interactions
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Interactions
In vitro studies indicate that alogliptin is neither an
inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, nor an inhibitor of
CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 at clinically relevant
concentrations.
In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions
Effects of Alogliptin on the Pharmacokinetics of Other
Drugs
In clinical studies, alogliptin did not meaningfully
increase the systemic exposure to the following drugs that are metabolized by
CYP isozymes or excreted unchanged in urine (Figure 1). No dose adjustment of
NESINA is recommended based on results of the described pharmacokinetic
studies.
Figure 1: Effect of Alogliptin on the Pharmacokinetic
Exposure to Other Drugs
*Warfarin was given once daily at a stable dose in the
range of 1 mg to 10 mg. Alogliptin had no significant effect on the prothrombin
time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR).
**Caffeine (1A2 substrate), tolbutamide (2C9 substrate), dextromethorphan (2D6
substrate), midazolam (3A4 substrate) and fexofenadine (P-gp substrate) were
administered as a cocktail.
Effects of Other Drugs on
the Pharmacokinetics of Alogliptin
There are no clinically
meaningful changes in the pharmacokinetics of alogliptin when NESINA is
administered concomitantly with the drugs described below (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Effect of Other
Drugs on the Pharmacokinetic Exposure of Alogliptin
Clinical Studies
NESINA has been studied as monotherapy and in combination
with metformin, a sulfonylurea, a thiazolidinedione (either alone or in
combination with metformin or a sulfonylurea) and insulin (either alone or in
combination with metformin).
A total of 14,053 patients with type 2 diabetes were
randomized in 11 double-blind, placebo-or active-controlled clinical safety and
efficacy studies conducted to evaluate the effects of NESINA on glycemic
control. The racial distribution of patients exposed to study medication was
70% Caucasian, 17% Asian, 6% Black and 7% other racial groups. The ethnic
distribution was 30% Hispanic. Patients had an overall mean age of 57 years
(range 21 to 91 years).
In patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with NESINA
produced clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in
hemoglobin A1c (A1C) compared to placebo. As is typical for trials of agents to
treat type 2 diabetes, the mean reduction in A1C with NESINA appears to be
related to the degree of A1C elevation at baseline.
NESINA had similar changes from baseline in serum lipids
compared to placebo.
Patients With Inadequate Glycemic Control On Diet And Exercise
A total of 1768 patients with type 2 diabetes
participated in three double-blind studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety
of NESINA in patients with inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise.
All three studies had a four-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period followed
by a 26-week randomized treatment period. Patients who failed to meet
prespecified hyperglycemic goals during the 26-week treatment periods received
glycemic rescue therapy.
In a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a
total of 329 patients (mean baseline A1C = 8%) were randomized to receive
NESINA 12.5 mg, NESINA 25 mg or placebo once daily. Treatment with NESINA 25 mg
resulted in statistically significant improvements from baseline in A1C and
fasting plasma glucose (FPG) compared to placebo at Week 26 (Table 3). A total
of 8% of patients receiving NESINA 25 mg and 30% of those receiving placebo
required glycemic rescue therapy.
Improvements in A1C were not affected by gender, age or
baseline body mass index (BMI).
The mean change in body weight with NESINA was similar to
placebo.
Table 3: Glycemic Parameters at Week 26 in a
Placebo-Controlled MonotherapyStudy of NESINA*
|
NESINA 25 mg |
Placebo |
A1C (%) |
N=128 |
N=63 |
Baseline (mean) |
7.9 |
8.0 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.6 |
0 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.3) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
44%
(58/131)‡ |
23%
(15/64) |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=129 |
N=64 |
Baseline (mean) |
172 |
173 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-16 |
11 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-28*
(-40, -15) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic region
and duration of diabetes
‡p < 0.01 compared to placebo |
In a 26-week, double-blind,
active-controlled study, a total of 655 patients (mean baseline A1C = 8.8%)
were randomized to receive NESINA 25 mg alone, pioglitazone 30 mg alone, NESINA
12.5 mg with pioglitazone 30 mg or NESINA 25 mg with pioglitazone 30 mg once
daily. Coadministration of NESINA 25 mg with pioglitazone 30 mg resulted in
statistically significant improvements from baseline in A1C and FPG compared to
NESINA 25 mg alone and to pioglitazone 30 mg alone (Table 4). A total of 3% of
patients receiving NESINA 25 mg coadministered with pioglitazone 30 mg, 11% of
those receiving NESINA 25 mg alone and 6% of those receiving pioglitazone 30 mg
alone required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age or baseline BMI.
The mean increase in body weight was similar between
pioglitazone alone and NESINA when coadministered with pioglitazone.
Table 4: Glycemic Parameters at Week 26 in an
Active-Controlled Study of NESINA, Pioglitazone, and NESINA in Combination with
Pioglitazone*
|
NESINA 25 mg |
Pioglitazone 30 mg |
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone 30 mg |
A1C (%) |
N=160 |
N=153 |
N=158 |
Baseline (mean) |
8.8 |
8.8 |
8.8 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-1.0 |
-1.2 |
-1.7 |
Difference from NESINA 25 mg (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
-0.8‡
(-1.0, -0.5) |
Difference from pioglitazone 30 mg (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
-0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.3) |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
24%
(40/164) |
34%
(55/163) |
63%
(103/164)‡ |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=162 |
N=157 |
N=162 |
Baseline (mean) |
189 |
189 |
185 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-26 |
-37 |
-50 |
Difference from NESINA 25 mg (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
-24‡
(-34, -15) |
Difference from pioglitazone 30 mg (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
-13‡
(-22, -4) |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation carried forward
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, geographic region and
baseline value
‡p < 0.01 compared to NESINA 25 mg or pioglitazone
30 mg |
In a 26-week, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study, a total of 784 patients inadequately controlled on
diet and exercise alone (mean baseline A1C = 8.4%) were randomized to one of
seven treatment groups: placebo; metformin HCl 500 mg or metformin HCl 1000 mg
twice daily; NESINA 12.5 mg twice daily; NESINA 25 mg daily; or NESINA 12.5 mg
in combination with metformin HCl 500 mg or metformin HCl 1000 mg twice daily. Both
coadministration treatment arms (NESINA 12.5 mg + metformin HCl 500 mg and
NESINA 12.5 mg + metformin HCl 1000 mg) resulted in statistically significant
improvements in A1C and FPG when compared with their respective individual
alogliptin and metformin component regimens (Table 5). Coadministration
treatment arms demonstrated improvements in two-hour postprandial glucose (PPG)
compared to NESINA alone or metformin alone (Table 5). A total of 12.3% of
patients receiving NESINA 12.5 mg + metformin HCl 500 mg, 2.6% of patients
receiving NESINA 12.5 mg + metformin HCl 1000 mg, 17.3% of patients receiving
NESINA 12.5 mg, 22.9% of patients receiving metformin HCl 500 mg, 10.8% of
patients receiving metformin HCl 1000 mg and 38.7% of patients receiving
placebo required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, race or baseline BMI. The mean decrease in body weight
was similar between metformin alone and NESINA when coadministered with
metformin.
Table 5: Glycemic Parameters at Week 26 for NESINA and
Metformin Alone and in Combination in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
|
Placebo |
NESINA 12.5 mg Twice Daily |
Metformin HCl 500 mg Twice Daily |
Metformin HCl 1000 mg Twice Daily |
NESINA 12.5 mg + Metformin HCl 500 mg Twice Daily |
NESINA 12.5 mg + Metformin HCl 1000 mg Twice Daily |
A1C (%)* |
N=102 |
N=104 |
N=103 |
N=108 |
N=102 |
N=111 |
Baseline (mean) |
8.5 |
8.4 |
8.5 |
8.4 |
8.5 |
8.4 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
0.1 |
-0.6 |
-0.7 |
-1.1 |
-1.2 |
-1.6 |
Difference from metformin (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-0.6‡
(-0.9, -0.3) |
-0.4‡
(-0.7, -0.2) |
Difference from NESINA (adjusted mean†with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-0.7‡
(-1.0, -0.4) |
-1.0‡
(-1.3, -0.7) |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C < 7%§ |
4%
(4/102) |
20%
(21/104) |
27%
(28/103) |
34%
(37/108) |
47%‡
(48/102) |
59%‡
(66/111) |
FPG (mg/dL)* |
N=105 |
N=106 |
N=106 |
N=110 |
N=106 |
N=112 |
Baseline (mean) |
187 |
177 |
180 |
181 |
176 |
185 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
12 |
-10 |
-12 |
-32 |
-32 |
-46 |
Difference from metformin (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-20‡
(-33, -8) |
-14‡
(-26, -2) |
Difference from NESINA (adjusted mean†with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-22*
(-35, -10) |
-36‡
(-49, -24) |
2-Hour PPG (mg/dL)¶ |
N=26 |
N=34 |
N=28 |
N=37 |
N=31 |
N=37 |
Baseline (mean) |
263 |
272 |
247 |
266 |
261 |
268 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-21 |
-43 |
-49 |
-54 |
-68 |
-86‡ |
Difference from metformin (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-19
(-49, 11) |
-32‡
(-58, -5) |
Difference from NESINA (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-25
(-53, -3) |
-43‡
(-70, -16) |
*Intent-to-treat population using last observation on
study prior to discontinuation of double-blind study medication or sulfonylurea
rescue therapy for patients needing rescue
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, geographic region and baseline
value
‡p < 0.05 when compared to metformin and NESINA alone
§Compared using logistic regression
¶ Intent-to-treat population using data available at W eek 26 |
Combination Therapy
Add-On Therapy To Metformin
A total of 2081 patients with
type 2 diabetes participated in two 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled
studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NESINA as add-on therapy to
metformin. In both studies, patients were inadequately controlled on metformin at
a dose of at least 1500 mg per day or at the maximum tolerated dose. All
patients entered a four-week, single-blind placebo run-in period prior to
randomization. Patients who failed to meet prespecified hyperglycemic goals
during the 26-week treatment periods received glycemic rescue therapy.
In the first 26-week,
placebo-controlled study, a total of 527 patients already on metformin (mean
baseline A1C = 8%) were randomized to receive NESINA 12.5 mg, NESINA 25 mg or
placebo. Patients were maintained on a stable dose of metformin (median dose =
1700 mg) during the treatment period. NESINA 25 mg in combination with
metformin resulted in statistically significant improvements from baseline in
A1C and FPG at Week 26, when compared to placebo (Table 6). A total of 8% of
patients receiving NESINA 25 mg and 24% of patients receiving placebo required
glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, baseline BMI or baseline metformin dose.
The mean decrease in body
weight was similar between NESINA and placebo when given in combination with
metformin.
Table 6: Glycemic Parameters at Week 26 in a
Placebo-Controlled Study of NESINA as Add-On Therapy to Metformin*
|
NESINA 25 mg + Metformin |
Placebo + Metformin |
A1C (%) |
N=203 |
N=103 |
Baseline (mean) |
7.9 |
8.0 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.6 |
-0.1 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.5‡
(-0.7, -0.3) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
44%
(92/207)‡ |
18%
(19/104) |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=204 |
N=104 |
Baseline (mean) |
172 |
180 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-17 |
0 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-17‡
(-26, -9) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic region
and baseline metformin dose
‡p < 0.001 compared to placebo |
In the second 26-week,
double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a total of 1554 patients already on
metformin (mean baseline A1C = 8.5%) were randomized to one of 12 double-blind
treatment groups: placebo; 12.5 mg or 25 mg of NESINA alone; 15 mg, 30 mg or 45
mg of pioglitazone alone; or 12.5 mg or 25 mg of NESINA in combination with 15
mg, 30 mg or 45 mg of pioglitazone. Patients were maintained on a stable dose
of metformin (median dose = 1700 mg) during the treatment period.
Coadministration of NESINA and pioglitazone provided statistically significant
improvements in A1C and FPG compared to placebo, to NESINA alone or to pioglitazone
alone when added to background metformin therapy (Table 7, Figure 3). In
addition, improvements from baseline A1C were comparable between NESINA alone
and pioglitazone alone (15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg) at Week 26. A total of 4%, 5%
or 2% of patients receiving NESINA 25 mg with 15 mg, 30 mg or 45 mg
pioglitazone, 33% of patients receiving placebo, 13% of patients receiving
NESINA 25 mg and 10%, 15% or 9% of patients receiving pioglitazone 15 mg, 30 mg
or 45 mg alone required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age or baseline BMI.
The mean increase in body
weight was similar between pioglitazone alone and NESINA when coadministered
with pioglitazone.
Table 7: Glycemic Parameters
in a 26-Week Study of NESINA, Pioglitazone and NESINA in Combination with
Pioglitazone when Added to Metformin*
|
Placebo |
NESINA 25 mg |
Pioglitazone 15 mg |
Pioglitazone 30 mg |
Pioglitazone 45 mg |
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone 15 mg |
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone 30 mg |
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone 45 mg |
A1C ( %) |
N=126 |
N=123 |
N=127 |
N=123 |
N=126 |
N=127 |
N=124 |
N=126 |
Baseline (mean) |
8.5 |
8.6 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
8.5 |
8.6 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.1 |
-0.9 |
-0.8 |
-0.9 |
-1.0 |
-1.3‡ |
-1.4‡ |
-1.6‡ |
Difference from pioglitazone (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
-0.5‡
(-0.7, -0.3) |
-0.5‡
(-0.7, -0.3) |
-0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.4) |
Difference from NESINA (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-0.4‡
(-0.6, -0.1) |
-0.5‡
(-0.7, -0.3) |
-0.7‡
(-0.9,-0.5) |
Patients (%) achieving A1C < 7% |
6%
(8/129) |
27%
(35/129) |
26%
(33/129) |
30%
(38/129) |
36%
(47/129) |
55%
(71/130)‡ |
53%
(69/130)‡ |
60%
(78/130)‡ |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=129 |
N=126 |
N=127 |
N=125 |
N=129 |
N=130 |
N=126 |
N=127 |
Baseline (mean) |
177 |
184 |
177 |
175 |
181 |
179 |
179 |
178 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
7 |
-19 |
-24 |
-29 |
-32 |
-38‡ |
-42‡ |
-53‡ |
Difference from pioglitazone (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-14‡
(-24, -5) |
-13‡
(-23, -3) |
-20‡
(-30, -11) |
Difference from NESINA (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
-19‡
(-29, -10) |
-23‡
(-33, -13) |
-34‡
(-44, -24) |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, geographic region,
metformin dose and baseline value
‡p ≤ 0.01 when compared to corresponding doses of
pioglitazone and NESINA alone |
Figure 3: Change from
Baseline in A1C at Week 26 with NESINA and Pioglitazone Alone and NESINA in
Combination with Pioglitazone When Added to Metformin
Add-On Therapy To A Thiazolidinedione
In a 26-week,
placebo-controlled study, a total of 493 patients inadequately controlled on a
thiazolidinedione alone or in combination with metformin or a sulfonylurea (10
mg) (mean baseline A1C = 8%) were randomized to receive NESINA 12.5 mg, NESINA
25 mg or placebo. Patients were maintained on a stable dose of pioglitazone
(median dose = 30 mg) during the treatment period; those who were also
previously treated on metformin (median dose = 2000 mg) or sulfonylurea (median
dose = 10 mg) prior to randomization were maintained on the combination therapy
during the treatment period. All patients entered into a four-week,
single-blind placebo run-in period prior to randomization. Patients who failed
to meet prespecified hyperglycemic goals during the 26-week treatment period
received glycemic rescue therapy.
The addition of NESINA 25 mg
once daily to pioglitazone therapy resulted in statistically significant
improvements from baseline in A1C and FPG at Week 26, compared to placebo (Table
8). A total of 9% of patients who were receiving NESINA 25 mg and 12% of
patients receiving placebo required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, baseline BMI or baseline pioglitazone dose.
Clinically meaningful
reductions in A1C were observed with NESINA compared to placebo regardless of
whether subjects were receiving concomitant metformin or sulfonylurea (-0.2%
placebo versus Â0.9% NESINA) therapy or pioglitazone alone (0% placebo versus
-0.52% NESINA).
The mean increase in body
weight was similar between NESINA and placebo when given in combination with
pioglitazone.
Table 8: Glycemic Parameters in a 26-Week,
Placebo-Controlled Study of NESINA as Add-On Therapyto Pioglitazone*
|
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone ± Metformin ± Sulfonylurea |
Placebo + Pioglitazone ± Metformin ± Sulfonylurea |
A1C (%) |
N=195 |
N=95 |
Baseline (mean) |
8 |
8 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.8 |
-0.2 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.4) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
49%
(98/199)‡ |
34%
(33/97) |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=197 |
N=97 |
Baseline (mean) |
170 |
172 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-20 |
-6 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-14‡
(-23, -5) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic region,
baseline treatment regimen (pioglitazone, pioglitazone + metformin or
pioglitazone + sulfonylurea) and baseline pioglitazone dose
‡p < 0.01 compared to placebo |
Add-on Combination Therapy With
Pioglitazone And Metformin
In a 52-week, active-comparator
study, a total of 803 patients inadequately controlled (mean baseline A1C =
8.2%) on a current regimen of pioglitazone 30 mg and metformin at least 1500 mg
per day or at the maximum tolerated dose were randomized to either receive the
addition of NESINA 25 mg or the titration of pioglitazone 30 mg to 45 mg
following a four-week, single-blind placebo run-in period. Patients were
maintained on a stable dose of metformin (median dose = 1700 mg). Patients who
failed to meet prespecified hyperglycemic goals during the 52-week treatment
period received glycemic rescue therapy.
In combination with
pioglitazone and metformin, NESINA 25 mg was shown to be statistically superior
in lowering A1C and FPG compared with the titration of pioglitazone from 30 mg
to 45 mg at Week 26 and at Week 52 (Table 9; results shown only for Week 52). A
total of 11% of patients in the NESINA 25 mg treatment group and 22% of
patients in the pioglitazone up-titration group required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, race or baseline BMI.
The mean increase in body
weight was similar in both treatment arms.
Table 9: Glycemic Parameters in a 52-Week,
Active-Controlled Study of NESINA as Add-On Combination Therapy to Metformin
and Pioglitazone*
|
NESINA 25 mg + Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin |
Pioglitazone 45 mg + Metformin |
A1C (%) |
N=397 |
N=394 |
Baseline (mean) |
8.2 |
8.1 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.7 |
-0.3 |
Difference from pioglitazone 45 mg + metformin (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.4‡
(-0.5, -0.3) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
33%
(134/404)§ |
21%
(85/399) |
Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)‡ |
N=399 |
N=396 |
Baseline (mean) |
162 |
162 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-15 |
-4 |
Difference from pioglitazone 45 mg + metformin (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-11§
(-16, -6) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population using last observ ation on
study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic region
and baseline metformin dose.
‡Noninferior and statistically superior to metformin + pioglitazone at the
0.025 one-sided significance level
§p < 0.001 compared to pioglitazone 45 mg + metformin |
Add-On Therapy To A Sulfonylurea
In a 26-week,
placebo-controlled study, a total of 500 patients inadequately controlled on a
sulfonylurea (mean baseline A1C = 8.1%) were randomized to receive NESINA 12.5
mg, NESINA 25 mg or placebo. Patients were maintained on a stable dose of
glyburide (median dose = 10 mg) during the treatment period. All patients
entered into a four-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period prior to
randomization. Patients who failed to meet prespecified hyperglycemic goals
during the 26-week treatment period received glycemic rescue therapy.
The addition of NESINA 25 mg to
glyburide therapy resulted in statistically significant improvements from
baseline in A1C at Week 26 when compared to placebo (Table 10). Improvements in
FPG observed with NESINA 25 mg were not statistically significant compared with
placebo. A total of 16% of patients receiving NESINA 25 mg and 28% of those
receiving placebo required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, baseline BMI or baseline glyburide dose.
The mean change in body weight
was similar between NESINA and placebo when given in combination with
glyburide.
Table 10: Glycemic Parameters in a 26-Week,
Placebo-Controlled Study of NESINA as Add-On Therapy to Glyburide*
|
NESINA 25 mg + Glyburide |
Placebo + Glyburide |
A1C (%) |
N=197 |
N=97 |
Baseline (mean) |
8.1 |
8.2 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.5 |
0 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.5‡
(-0.7, -0.3) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
35%
(69/198)‡ |
18%
(18/99) |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=198 |
N=99 |
Baseline (mean) |
174 |
177 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-8 |
2 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-11
(-22, 1) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic region
and baseline glyburide dose
‡p < 0.01 compared to placebo |
Add-On Therapy To Insulin
In a 26-week,
placebo-controlled study, a total of 390 patients inadequately controlled on
insulin alone (42%) or in combination with metformin (58%) (mean baseline A1C =
9.3%) were randomized to receive NESINA 12.5 mg, NESINA 25 mg or placebo.
Patients were maintained on their insulin regimen (median dose = 55 IU) upon
randomization and those previously treated with insulin in combination with
metformin (median dose = 1700 mg) prior to randomization continued on the
combination regimen during the treatment period. Patients entered the trial on
short-, intermediate-or long-acting (basal) insulin or premixed insulin.
Patients who failed to meet prespecified hyperglycemic goals during the 26-week
treatment period received glycemic rescue therapy.
The addition of NESINA 25 mg
once daily to insulin therapy resulted in statistically significant
improvements from baseline in A1C and FPG at Week 26, when compared to placebo (Table
11). A total of 20% of patients receiving NESINA 25 mg and 40% of those
receiving placebo required glycemic rescue.
Improvements in A1C were not
affected by gender, age, baseline BMI or baseline insulin dose. Clinically
meaningful reductions in A1C were observed with NESINA compared to placebo
regardless of whether subjects were receiving concomitant metformin and
insulin (-0.2% placebo versus -0.8% NESINA) therapy or insulin alone (0.1%
placebo versus -0.7% NESINA).
The mean increase in body weight was similar between
NESINA and placebo when given in combination with insulin.
Table 11: Glycemic Parameters in a 26-Week,
Placebo-Controlled Study of NESINA as Add-On Therapy to Insulin*
|
NESINA 25 mg + Insulin ± Metformin |
Placebo + Insulin ± Metformin |
A1C (%) |
N=126 |
N=126 |
Baseline (mean) |
9.3 |
9.3 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-0.7 |
-0.1 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.4) |
- |
% of patients (n/N) achieving A1C ≤ 7% |
8%
(10/129) |
1%
(1/129) |
FPG (mg/dL) |
N=128 |
N=127 |
Baseline (mean) |
186 |
196 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) |
-12 |
6 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean† with 95% confidence interval) |
-18‡
(-33, -2) |
- |
*Intent-to-treat population
using last observation on study
†Least squares means adjusted for treatment, baseline value, geographic
region, baseline treatment regimen (insulin or insulin + metformin) and
baseline daily insulin dose
‡p < 0.05 compared to placebo |
Cardiovascular Safety Trial
A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled cardiovascular outcomes trial (EXAMINE) was conducted to
evaluate the cardiovascular risk of NESINA. The trial compared the risk of
major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between NESINA (N=2701) and placebo
(N=2679) when added to standard of care therapies for diabetes and
atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD). The trial was event driven and
patients were followed until a sufficient number of primary outcome events
accrued.
Eligible patients were adults
with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control at baseline (e.g.,
HbA1c > 6.5%) and had been hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome event
(e.g., acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina requiring
hospitalization) 15 to 90 days prior to randomization. The dose of NESINA was
based on estimated renal function at baseline per dosage and
administration recommendations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The
average time between an acute coronary syndrome event and randomization was
approximately 48 days.
The mean age of the population was 61 years. Most
patients were male (68%), Caucasian (73%), and were recruited from outside of
the United States (86%). Asian and Black patients contributed 20% and 4% of the
total population, respectively. At the time of randomization patients had a
diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus for approximately 9 years, 87% had a
prior myocardial infarction and 14% were current smokers. Hypertension (83%)
and renal impairment (27% with an eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m² )
were prevalent co-morbid conditions. Use of medications to treat diabetes
(e.g., metformin 73%, sulfonylurea 54%, insulin 41%), and ASCVD (e.g., statin
94%, aspirin 93%, reninÂangiotensin system blocker 88%, beta-blocker 87%) was
similar between patients randomized to NESINA and placebo at baseline. During
the trial, medications to treat diabetes and ASCVD could be adjusted to ensure
care for these conditions adhered to standard of care recommendations set by
local practice guidelines.
The primary endpoint in EXAMINE was the time to first
occurrence of a MACE defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal
myocardial infarction (MI), or nonfatal stroke. The study was designed to
exclude a pre-specified risk margin of 1.3 for the hazard ratio of MACE. The
median exposure to study drug was 526 days and 95% of the patients were
followed to study completion or death.
Table 12 shows the study results for the primary MACE
composite endpoint and the contribution of each component to the primary MACE
endpoint. The upper bound of the confidence interval was 1.16 and excluded a
risk margin larger than 1.3.
Table 12: Patients with MACE in EXAMINE
Composite of first event of CV death, nonfatal MI or nonfatal stroke (MACE) |
NESI |
NA |
Placebo |
Hazard Ratio |
Number of Patients (%) |
Rate per 100 PY* |
Number of Patients (%) |
Rate per 100 PY* |
(98% CI) |
N=2701 |
|
N=2679 |
|
|
305 (11.3) |
7.6 |
316 (11.8) |
7.9 |
0.96 (0.80, 1.16) |
CV Death |
89 (3.3) |
2.2 |
111 (4.1) |
2.8 |
|
Non-fatal MI |
187 (6.9) |
4.6 |
173 (6.5) |
4.3 |
|
Non-fatal stroke |
29 (1.1) |
0.7 |
32 (1.2) |
0.8 |
|
*Patient Years (PY) |
The Kaplan-Meier based
cumulative event probability is presented in Figure 4 for the time to first
occurrence of the primary MACE composite endpoint by treatment arm. The curves
for placebo and NESINA overlap throughout the duration of the study. The
observed incidence of MACE was highest within the first 60 days after
randomization in both treatment arms (14.8 MACE per 100 PY), decreased from day
60 to the end of the first year (8.4 per 100 PY) and was lowest after 1 year of
follow-up (5.2 per 100 PY).
Figure 4: Observed Cumulative Rate of MACE in EXAMINE
The rate of all cause death was
similar between treatment arms with 153 (3.6 per 100 PY) recorded among
patients randomized to NESINA and 173 (4.1 per 100 PY) among patients
randomized to placebo. A total of 112 deaths (2.9 per 100 PY) among patients on
NESINA and 130 among patients on placebo (3.5 per 100 PY) were adjudicated as
cardiovascular deaths.