The search for better insulin therapies.
Medical investigators are currently developing a groundbreaking basal insulin called Once Weekly Insulin Icodec. This insulin analog, which has a super-long duration of action, aims to provide a consistent level of insulin throughout the week. Researchers are investigating this promising therapy as a potential treatment for individuals with type 2 diabetes who have not attained satisfactory glucose control with existing therapies.
Once weekly insulin clinical trial.
Benefits.
Researchers executed the phase 3a ONWARDS 2 trial across 71 sites in nine different countries. They randomly assigned a total of 526 patients to receive either icodec or tresiba. At the beginning of the trial, they recorded the average A1c level as 8.1%. After 26 weeks of follow-up, the participants who received icodec exhibited performance that was not inferior compared to those who received tresiba.
Safety.
Despite the non-inferior results, the group receiving the once-weekly insulin therapy actually had numerically lower A1c levels. However, it is worth mentioning that there was a slightly higher risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia associated with icodec compared to tresiba. Apart from this distinction, the overall safety profile between the two types of insulin remained similar.
Summary and expectations.
Considering the non-inferiority in terms of glucose control, along with the added convenience of a once-weekly dosing regimen, it is likely that the FDA will approve icodec as another excellent treatment option for patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. Advancements that address the needs of individuals with diabetes are encouraging, as they offer more choices and potential improvements in their overall quality of life.
Dr. Tashko