Glibenclamide oral suspension: Suitable and effective in patients with neonatal diabetes

Pediatr Diabetes. 2019 May;20(3):246-254. doi: 10.1111/pedi.12823. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Abstract

Background: Results of genetic have led to off-label glibenclamide treatment in patients with neonatal diabetes (NDM) because of potassium channel mutations. No pediatric form of glibenclamide was available. Glibenclamide was designated an orphan drug designation for NDM and a suspension was developed. As a part of the pediatric plan investigation, we assessed its acceptability, efficiency, and safety.

Methods: In this Phase II, prospective, non-randomized, single-center study, patient received glibenclamide tablets for 1 month then the suspension for 3 months. We assessed acceptability using hedonic scales and patient questionnaires, effectiveness using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) assays and safety based on hypo and hyperglycemia, and other adverse events.

Results: We included 10 patients (0.1-16.2 years, 6 < 5 years) were included. Younger patients preferred the suspension and older the tablets. All parents were satisfied with the ease of suspension administration. The parents of 5 of 6 younger children preferred the suspension over the tablets and kept it. Switching from tablets to suspension did not affect the excellent metabolic control (median HbA1c change, -0.40%, [-1.3% to 0.5%] P = 0.08). Median frequencies of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were less than 5% of routine blood glucose assays and were similar with both dosage forms. Two patients each experienced one episode of hypoglycemia below 35 mg/dL highlighting the need for dosage titration when switching from tablets to suspension. Transient and non-severe abdominal pain or diarrhea occurred in three patients. None of the patients discontinued the treatment.

Conclusion: The glibenclamide oral suspension Amglidia, the first anti-diabetic drug specifically developed for pediatric patients, is acceptable, effective, and safe in patients with NDM (NCT02375828).

Clinical trial registration: Glibentek in Patients with Neonatal Diabetes Secondary to Mutations in K + -ATP Channels, clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02375828, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02375828.

Keywords: KCNJ11 gene; diabetes; monogenic diabetes; neonatal.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diabetes Mellitus / congenital*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Glyburide / administration & dosage*
  • Glyburide / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Suspensions
  • Tablets
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Suspensions
  • Tablets
  • Glyburide

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02375828