Abstract
Introduction: Ertugliflozin (ERTU), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients (pts) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim: As part of the VERTIS CV trial (NCT01986881), the efficacy and safety of ERTU were assessed in pts with T2DM and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) inadequately controlled by insulin. Methods: Pts were randomly assigned to placebo (PBO), ERTU 5 mg or 15 mg once daily. A pre-specified sub-study was conducted in pts on a stable dose of insulin ≥20 units/day (± metformin). The primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline at 18 weeks. Key secondary endpoints included proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7%, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body weight (BW), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Changes from baseline at Week 18 for continuous efficacy endpoints were assessed using a constrained longitudinal data analysis model. HbA1c reduction was also assessed in subgroups based on baseline HbA1c, age, sex, race, ethnicity, and use of metformin. Results: Of 8246 pts randomized in VERTIS CV, 1065 pts (ERTU 5 mg: 348; ERTU 15 mg: 370; PBO: 347) with T2DM and ASCVD were included in the sub-study. Mean baseline characteristics were similar across treatment groups; age 64.8 years, T2DM duration 16.7 years, HbA1c 8.4%, and eGFR 73.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. At baseline, 40.6% of pts were on insulin alone, 59.4% were receiving insulin + metformin; median (range) insulin dose was 58.0 (20–350) units/day. At Week 18, least squares mean change (95% confidence interval) from baseline in HbA1c was significantly greater with ERTU 5 mg and 15 mg vs PBO. PBO-adjusted differences were −0.6% (−0.7, −0.4) and −0.7% (−0.8, −0.5), for ERTU 5 mg and 15 mg, respectively (P<0.001 for both). HbA1c reductions were greater with ERTU vs PBO for all subgroups including by use of metformin. At Week 18, 10.7%, 20.7%, and 21.1% of pts with PBO, ERTU 5 mg and 15 mg, respectively, achieved HbA1c <7.0%. ERTU 5 mg and 15 mg significantly reduced FPG, BW, SBP, and ERTU 15 mg led to a small reduction in total daily insulin dose. The overall incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events was similar across treatment groups. In women, the incidences of genital mycotic infections was higher with ERTU 5 mg (3.4%; P=0.05) and ERTU 15 mg (3.6%; P=0.04) vs PBO (0.0%). The incidences of urinary tract infections (3.2–4.1%), symptomatic hypoglycemia (26.4–28.5%), and severe hypoglycemia (3.5–5.1%) were similar across treatment groups. The incidences of hypovolemia were low (1.4–2.4%) and similar across treatment groups. Conclusion: ERTU added to insulin (± metformin) led to greater reductions from baseline in HbA1c, FPG, BW, and SBP, and a higher proportion of pts achieving HbA1c <7.0%, vs PBO at 18 weeks in pts with T2DM and ASCVD, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Effects of empagliflozin on insulin initiation or intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Findings from the
EMPA‐REG OUTCOME
trial
