Efficacy and safety of the once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist albiglutide versus sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment: a randomized phase III study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate weekly subcutaneous albiglutide versus daily sitagliptin in renally impaired patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequately controlled glycemia on a regimen of diet and exercise and/or oral antihyperglycemic medications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, 52-week study, the primary study end point was HbA(1c) change from baseline at week 26 in patients with renal impairment, as assessed with estimated glomerular filtration rate and categorized as mild, moderate, or severe (>= 60 to <= 89, >= 30 to <= 59, and >= 15 to <= 29 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively). Secondary end points included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, achievement of treatment targets, hyperglycemic rescue, and safety. RESULTS Baseline demographics were similar across treatment and renal impairment groups with overall mean age of 63.3 years, BMI of 30.4 kg/m(2), HbA(1c) of 8.2% (66 mmol/mol), and diabetes disease duration of 11.2 years. HbA(1c) change from baseline at week 26 was significantly greater for albiglutide than sitagliptin (-0.83% vs. -0.52%, P = 0.0003). Decreases in HbA(1c), FPG, and weight were seen through week 52. Time to hyperglycemic rescue through week 52 was significantly longer for albiglutide than sitagliptin (P = 0.0017). Results of safety assessments were similar between groups, and most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate. The incidences of gastrointestinal AEs for albiglutide and sitagliptin were as follows: overall, 31.7%, 25.2%; diarrhea, 10.0%, 6.5%; nausea, 4.8%, 3.3%; and vomiting, 1.6%, 1.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Once-weekly albiglutide therapy in renally impaired patients with type 2 diabetes provided statistically superior glycemic improvement with almost similar tolerability compared with daily sitagliptin therapy.