Eli Lilly has shared positive topline results from two late-stage studies evaluating its investigational once-weekly insulin efsitora (efsitora alfa) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The phase 3 QWINT-2 trial randomised insulin-naïve patients to receive either efsitora or once-daily insulin degludec for 52 weeks.
The primary endpoint of non-inferior A1C reduction was met, with efsitora reducing A1C by 1.34% compared to 1.26% for degludec. This resulted in an A1C of 6.87% and 6.95% for efsitor and degludec, respectively.
In a key secondary endpoint, efsitora was non-inferior to degludec in A1C change among patients using and not using GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Non-inferior A1C reductions were also seen in the phase 3 QWINT-4 trial, which compared efsitora to once-daily insulin glargine for 26 weeks in adults with T2D who had previously been treated with basal insulin and at least two injections per day of mealtime insulin.
Efsitora and glargine, which were both administered with insulin lispro, reduced A1C by 1.07%, resulting in an A1C of 7.12% and 7.11%, respectively.
Efsitora was safe and well-tolerated in both trials, Lilly said, adding that detailed results from QWINT-2 will be presented at this year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting.
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.
It is hoped that the introduction of a once-weekly insulin option could improve adherence rates and quality of life for patients.
Jeff Emmick, senior vice president, product development, Lilly, said: “The results of QWINT-2 and QWINT-4 are a significant milestone for the diabetes community and demonstrate that efsitora as a weekly insulin provides blood sugar control equivalent to daily basal insulins.
“With efsitora, we have an opportunity to provide an innovative once-weekly solution that safely achieves and maintains A1C control, reduces [the] treatment burden of traditional daily injections and potentially improves adherence for people with diabetes.”