Next-generation incretin therapy: Is weight loss the treatment?
New data will continue the buzz from the ADA meeting surrounding tirzepatide, the dual GLP-1 receptor agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agent.
A session will add new data from SURPASS-3 CGM, looking at the effect of the drug captured by continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes; SURPASS-3 MRI, examining the effect of the drug on liver fat content and abdominal adipose tissue; and SURPASS-4, investigating efficacy and safety of tirzepatide once-weekly versus insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk.
The drug is notable for its dramatic reductions in both A1c and weight, although questions remain about the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and effects on long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
Dr. Rydén commented: “Given its effects on A1c and body weight, we would expect a positive result, but one never knows. It’s at least safe, that’s for sure. I think this mode of action is extremely interesting.”
Dr. Del Prato noted that tirzepatide could also “open up a new area of intervention for type 1 diabetes. The initial data were promising. ... It’s worth keeping an eye on.”
A related symposium will address the future of incretin-based treatments overall, while the EASD-Lancet symposium will examine whether the treatment of obesity is the «future» of diabetes treatment.
COVID-19, hypoglycemia, bone, and much more
As always, there’s much more on the agenda. Other noteworthy sessions include those addressing hypoglycemia management; a joint EASD/European Society of Endocrinology session on diabetes and bone; a debate about whether women with diabetes are at higher cardiovascular risk than men; and in-hospital management of hyperglycemia.
A new feature of the meeting will be a daily roundup/wrap-up, where members of the program committee and speakers will summarize the day’s highlights. And another feature, “EASD e-Learning,” has been expanded to include more clinical topics around insulin use, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and neuropathy.
Overall, Dr. Del Prato said, “it’s a very populated program, with more than 700 presenters, 162 invited symposia speakers, and 53 chairs. It’s covering widely different areas from basic to clinical research. ... It’s a lot of stuff going on.”
Both Dr. Rydén and Dr. Del Prato have disclosures with multiple manufacturers of diabetes-related products.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.