Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability profile of liraglutide, a once-daily human GLP-1 analog, in patients with type 2 diabetes ≥65 and <65 years of age: a pooled analysis from phase III studies

Abstract

Background: Managing elderly patients with type 2 diabetes poses particular challenges, so it is important to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability profile of antidiabetic therapies specifically in this patient population.

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability profile of liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, in elderly (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A pooled analysis of 6 randomized, placebo-controlled, multinational trials included data from 3967 patients aged18 to 80 years with type 2 diabetes and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) of 7% to 11%. Of these, 552 patients ≥65 years received liraglutide 1.8 mg, liraglutide 1.2 mg, or placebo; 2231 patients <65 years received liraglutide 1.8 mg, liraglutide 1.2 mg, or placebo for 26 weeks. End points were: change in HbA(1c), fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and blood pressure: as marked to identify elements tracked for change from baseline; hypoglycemic episodes; and adverse events.

Results: Reduction in HbA(1c) from baseline was significantly greater with liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo (least squares mean difference: ≥65 years, 0.91% [95% CI, 0.69-1.12]; <65 years, 1.17% [95% CI, 1.06-1.28]; both, P < 0.0001) and with liraglutide 1.2 mg versus placebo (≥65 years, 0.87% [95% CI, 0.64-1.11]; <65 years, 1.10% [95% CI, 0.98-1.22]; both, P < 0.0001). For fasting plasma glucose, comparable results were observed between liraglutide 1.8 mg or 1.2 mg and placebo for both age groups (P < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference in body weight change was seen with liraglutide between the age groups. The proportion of patients reporting minor hypoglycemia was low and appeared comparable between the ≥65-year-old (4.3%-15.2%) and <65-year-old (8%-13.2%) groups. Likewise, adverse events appeared comparable in nature and frequency.

Conclusion: Liraglutide provides effective glycemic control and is well tolerated in patients ≥65 and <65 years of age with type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that liraglutide may be a suitable treatment option for older patients who may have additional age-related complications.