Abstract

THE POTENTIAL OF LIXISENATIDE IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

*Vardhan A, 2Das S, Naidu CDM, Bankar MA, Raghuvanshi VS

Abstract

Lixisenatide a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist with once daily dosage strategy has several actions which are similar to endogenous GLP-1 and thus results in improved glycemic control with little or no hypoglycemia and weight loss. Lixisenatide 20 μg once daily in phase II clinical trials have restored first-phase insulin release in patients with type 2 diabetes and improves the second-phase insulin response. Administered once or twice daily for a total period of 4 weeks, it reduces postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels, and also the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results have shown beneficial effects on HbA1c compared with placebo in combination with commonly used antidiabetes agents, with no increased risk of hypoglycaemia and with beneficial weight reduction. Adverse effects were more or less similar to the observed for available GLP-1 receptor agonists, the most frequent being gastrointestinal adverse effects. Both GLP-1 receptor agonists and long-acting insulin analogues have demonstrated protective effects on beta cells in preclinical studies. Therefore, lixisenatide on postprandial plasma glucose, provides a rationale for combining it with long-acting basal insulin analogues, in the hope that the additive effects on glycemic control combined with a potential benefit on islet cells will be a new treatment approach for the prevention of long-term complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, Lixisenatide, Type 2 diabetes mellitus.