Roche has released the results of a first phase III clinical study using Taspoglutide, the first human once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue originating from Ipsen’s research.
The company said that the phase III study, T-EMERGE 2 met its primary endpoint of change in HbA1c (subcutaneous weekly taspoglutide versus subcutaneous twice-daily exenatide, as add-on to metformin, a thiazolidinedione [TZD], or metformin and a TZD).
The company claims that the compound is similar to the natural hormone GLP-1 which has a key role in blood sugar regulation. GLP-1 analogues, which stimulate insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion, are true innovations in the diabetes field.
The study results showed that taspoglutide demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction versus exenatide following 24 weeks of treatment. The study analysis included 1,189 patients, equally randomised into three active arms (taspoglutide 10mg once weekly, taspoglutide 10mg once weekly titrated up to 20mg once weekly after 4 weeks, and exenatide 10mcg twice daily).
The results suggested that taspoglutide was generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse events among taspoglutide and exenatide treated patients were nausea and vomiting.