New treatment could simplify diabetes management for millions
Eli Lilly and Company announced encouraging results from two Phase 3 clinical trials, QWINT-1 and QWINT-3, evaluating the efficacy of once-weekly insulin Efcitra alfa (Efcitra) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Trials have demonstrated that Efcitra produces similar reductions in HbA1C levels compared to daily insulin injections.
“A once-weekly basal insulin like Fcitra has the potential to transform diabetes treatment,” reflected Jeff Emick, Lilly’s senior vice president of product development. “Many people with type 2 diabetes are hesitant to start insulin therapy due to concerns about insulin burden. Once-weekly Fcitra has the potential to make it easier for people with type 2 diabetes to start and manage insulin therapy while reducing the impact it has on their daily lives.”
In the QWINT-1 study, insulin-naive adults were administered Efcitra via a single-use auto-injector once weekly for four fixed doses.
The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating non-inferior reduction in HbA1C compared to daily insulin glargine over 52 weeks. Efcitra reduced HbA1C by 1.31%, resulting in an HbA1C of 6.92%, while insulin glargine reduced HbA1C by 1.27%, resulting in an HbA1C of 6.96%.
The QWINT-3 trial evaluated Efcitra in adults switching from daily basal insulin injections. Over 78 weeks, Efcitra was shown to be non-inferior in reducing HbA1C compared with daily insulin degludec, further supporting its potential as a convenient alternative for diabetes management.
These study results suggest that once-weekly administration of Efsitra may simplify insulin therapy and improve medication adherence and overall quality of life for patients with type 2 diabetes.
