Profil scientists have already been busy in the first months of this year. So far we have published 15 papers (first-/senior- or co-authorship) in peer-reviewed journals addressing relevant aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of novel antidiabetic drugs, medical device innovations and obesity treatments.
In this blog entry we provide a brief overview of 3 exciting publications.
Drugs to treat type 2 diabetes show complementary effects on pancreatic function
We start with an exploratory mechanistic trial studying the effects of empagliflozin and additional linagliptin treatment on pancreatic α- and β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this trial, patients poorly controlled on metformin monotherapy, received treatment with a SGLT-2 inhibitor (empagliflozin) for one month followed by the add-on of a DPP-IV inhibitor (linagliptin) or placebo for a consecutive month.
Its results show that empagliflozin reduced both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels combined with a marked reduction in postprandial insulin levels and an improved insulin/proinsulin ratio. This improvement might be a consequence of the increase of insulin sensitivity of ß cells. Adding linagliptin further improved blood glucose concentrations after a meal most likely by lowering glucagon concentrations. The study concludes that combining both drugs while treating type 2 diabetes provides a better control of blood glucose levels probably due to its complementary effects on pancreatic function.
Pharmacodynamics of fast-acting insulin aspart compared to insulin aspart in patients with type 1 diabetes
Recently, Profil published a study analysing the combined data of six clinical pharmacology trials, all comparing fast-acting insulin aspart to insulin aspart in patients with type 1 diabetes. In total, 218 adults, between 18 and 64 years old, participated in these trials and the pooled analysis shows favourable insulin exposure and insulin time-action-profiles for the new fast-acting insulin aspart formulation and it can be regarded as a next step in approaching physiologic insulin secretion.
Compared to insulin aspart fast-acting insulin aspart is absorbed quicker in the bloodstream: onset of appearance is approximately 5 min earlier, early insulin exposure is two times higher and the early glucose-lowering effect is 74% greater. Offset of the glucose-lowering effect is also 12-14 min earlier than with insulin aspart.
Computer simulation shows benefits of fast-acting insulin action
Together with the Universities of Cambridge, UK, and Graz, Austria, Profil conducted a 2x3-month closed-loop versus open loop (= sensor-augmented pump therapy) trial as part as the AP@home consortium. Researchers from the University of Cambridge recently performed retrospective computer analyses of the trial data.
For every participant they estimated how fast the insulin was working with closed-loop and open loop systems and correlated the time-to-peak insulin action with glucose outcomes. They concluded that those patients with faster insulin action had better control of glucose levels in both closed-loop and open loop insulin delivery.
The results of this article suggest that faster-acting insulin may contribute to a better glucose control in patients on closed-loop and sensor-augmented pump therapy.
If you are interested to learn more about scientific papers we published, check out our publications page on our website. Want to stay up to date with our publications and discoveries? Then register for our monthly blog newsletter by signing up on this page.