Better Glycemic Control and Weight Loss With the Novel Long-Acting Basal Insulin LY2605541 Compared With Insulin Glargine in Type 1 Diabetes;A randomized, crossover study

Julio Rosenstock, MD, Richard M. Bergenstal, MD, Thomas C. Blevins, MD, Linda A. Morrow, MD, Melvin J. Prince, MD, Yongming Qu, PHD,
Vikram P. Sinha, PHD, Daniel C. Howey, MD and Scott J. Jacober, DO

Diabetes Care November 27, 2012

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare effects of LY2605541 versus insulin glargine on daily mean blood glucose as part of a basal-bolus regimen for type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this randomized, Phase 2, open-label, 2 × 2 crossover study, 137 patients received once-daily basal insulin (LY2605541 or glargine) plus mealtime insulin for 8 weeks, followed by crossover treatment for 8 weeks. Daily mean blood glucose was obtained from 8-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles. The noninferiority margin was 10.8 mg/dL.

RESULTS LY2605541 met noninferiority and superiority criteria compared with insulin glargine in daily mean blood glucose (144.2 vs. 151.7 mg/dL, least squares mean difference = −9.9 mg/dL [90% CI −14.6 to −5.2], P < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose variability and A1C were reduced with LY2605541 compared with insulin glargine (both P < 0.001). Mealtime insulin dose decreased with LY2605541 and increased with insulin glargine. Mean weight decreased 1.2 kg with LY2605541 and increased 0.7 kg with insulin glargine (P < 0.001). The total hypoglycemia rate was higher for LY2605541 (P = 0.04) and the nocturnal hypoglycemia rate was lower (P = 0.01), compared with insulin glargine. Adverse events (including severe hypoglycemia) were similar, although more gastrointestinal-related events occurred with LY2605541 (15% vs. 4%, P < 0.001). Mean changes (all within normal range) were higher for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol and lower for HDL-cholesterol with LY2605541 compared with insulin glargine (all P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS In type 1 diabetes, compared with insulin glargine, LY2605541, a novel, long-acting basal insulin, demonstrated greater improvements in glycemic control, increased total hypoglycemia, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycemia, as well as reduced weight and lowered mealtime insulin doses.