Eli Lilly’s once-weekly insulin candidate efsitora alfa has shown promise as a treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to new late-stage results announced by the company.
It is hoped that the introduction of an insulin option specifically designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration could improve adherence rates and quality of life for patients with the chronic condition.
The phase 3 QWINT-1 trial randomised adults with T2D who were using basal insulin for the first time to receive either efsitora or once-daily insulin glargine.
Efsitora was titrated across four fixed doses at four-week intervals, as needed for blood glucose control, Lilly said, noting that fixed dose regimens could make it easier for patients to start and manage insulin therapy.
The primary endpoint of non-inferior A1C reduction at 52 weeks was met, with efsitora reducing A1C by 1.31% compared to 1.27% for insulin glargine, resulting in an A1C of 6.92% and 6.96%, respectively.
Non-inferior A1C reductions were also seen in the phase 3 QWINT-3, which compared efsitora to once-daily insulin degludec in adults switching from daily basal injections. Efsitora reduced A1C by 0.86% compared to 0.75% for insulin degludec at week 26, resulting in an A1C of 6.93% and 7.03%, respectively.
The overall safety and tolerability profile of efsitora was similar to that of daily T2D basal insulin therapies in both QWINT-1 and QWINT-3, Lilly said, adding that detailed results from the studies will be shared at an upcoming congress and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More than 4.3 million people in the UK have diabetes and T2D accounts for approximately 90% of all cases.
There is currently no cure for T2D, with current treatment options focused on disease management, including diet and exercise, diabetes medications and insulin therapy.
Jeff Emmick, senior vice president, product development at Lilly, said: “Many patients are reluctant to start insulin because of the burden it places on them.
“With a simple fixed-dose regimen, once-weekly efsitora could make it easier for people with diabetes to start and manage insulin therapy, while reducing the impact it has on their day-to-day lives.”