Kg For Placebo Research Articles

756-P: A Phase 1c Evaluation of a Novel GLP-1 Analog Ecnoglutide (XW003) for Weight Loss in Adults with Overweight and Obesity

Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a novel, long-acting GLP-1 analog being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. We conducted a Phase 1c randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ecnoglutide, which enrolled 60 nondiabetic adults with BMI 24-35 kg/m2. The study was conducted in China. PK, change in mean body weight and BMI, safety, and tolerability were evaluated. Participants received 1.8 or 2.4 mg ecnoglutide or placebo as once weekly injections for 14 weeks, including dose escalation. This core treatment was followed by an open-label extension of the ecnoglutide groups, for a total duration of 26 weeks. At baseline, participants had a mean body weight of 84.61 ± 10.44 kg and BMI of 29.53 ± 1.73 kg/m2. After 14 weeks of core treatment, mean weight reduction from baseline was -8.29 ± 0.52 kg in the 1.8 mg ecnoglutide group and -7.24 ± 0.56 kg in the 2.4 mg group, compared to -0.61 ± 0.82 kg for placebo (P<0.0001 vs placebo for both doses). At Week 14, the proportion of participants achieving ≥5% weight loss from baseline was 87.5% (95% CI, 67.6 to 97.3) and 70.0% (95% CI, 45.7 to 88.1) for 1.8 and 2.4 mg ecnoglutide, respectively, and 22.2% (95% CI, 2.8 to 60.0) for placebo. Continued weight reduction was observed until the end of study at Week 26, with a mean percent change from baseline of -15.0% (95%CI, -16.8 to -13.2) and -13.2% (95% CI, -15.3 to -11.1) for 1.8 and 2.4 mg ecnoglutide, respectively. At Week 26, ≥5% weight loss was observed for 94.7% (95% CI, 74.0 to 99.9) of participants in the 1.8 mg group and 100.0% (95% CI, 75.3 to 100.0) in the 2.4 mg group. At steady state, ecnoglutide showed a mean Cmax of 310 - 468 ng/mL, Tmax of 26 - 29 h, and half-life of 139 - 162 h. Overall, ecnoglutide was safe and well tolerated. The proportion of participants reporting any AE was similar between cohorts (95.2 to 100% for ecnoglutide vs 90% for placebo). The most frequent AEs were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea and vomiting. No drug-related SAE or drug-related AEs ≥Grade 3 were reported. Disclosure G. Wang: None. W. Hu: None. H.H. Qin: Employee; Sciwind Biosciences, Sichuan Anerobic Biotech. Q. Zheng: Employee; Sciwind Biosciences. J. Ning: None. G. Mengying: None. Y. Bu: Employee; Sciwind Biosciences. C. Jones: Employee; Sciwind Biosciences. M. Fenaux: Employee; Sciwind Biosciences. Stock/Shareholder; Terns Pharmaceuticals. S. Xu: Employee; Sciwind. M.K. Junaidi: None. Funding Sciwind Biosciences

Effect of increased protein intake and exogenous ketosis on body composition, energy expenditure and exercise capacity during a hypocaloric diet in recreational female athletes.

Introduction: Since low body weight is an important determinant of success in many sports such as gymnastics, martial arts and figure skating, athletes can benefit from effective weight loss strategies that preserve muscle mass and athletic performance. The present study investigates the effects of increased protein intake and exogenous ketosis on body composition, energy expenditure, exercise capacity, and perceptions of appetite and well-being during a hypocaloric diet in females. Methods: Thirty-two female recreational athletes (age: 22.2 ± .5years; body weight: 58.3 ± .8kg; BMI: 20.8 ± .2kg·m-2) underwent 4 weeks of 30% caloric restriction and were randomized to receive either an increased daily amount of dietary protein (PROT, ∼2.0-2.2g protein·kg-1·day-1), 3 × 20g·day-1 of a ketone ester (KE), or an isocaloric placebo (PLA). Body composition was measured by DXA, resting energy expenditure (REE) by indirect calorimetry, exercise capacity during a VO2max test, appetite hormones were measured in serum, and perceptions of general well-being were evaluated via questionnaires. Results: The hypocaloric diet reduced body weight by 3.8 ± .3kg in PLA, 3.2 ± .3kg in KE and 2.4 ± .2kg in PROT (Ptime<.0001). The drop in fat mass was similar between treatments (average: 2.6 ± .1kg, Ptime<.0001), while muscle mass was only reduced in PLA and KE (average: .8 ± .2kg, Ptime<.05), and remained preserved in PROT (Pinteraction<.01). REE [adjusted for lean mass] was reduced after caloric restriction in PLA (pre: 32.7 ± .5, post: 28.5 ± .6kcal·day-1·kg-1) and PROT (pre: 32.9 ± 1.0, post: 28.4 ± 1.0kcal·day-1·kg-1), but not in KE (pre: 31.8 ± .9, post: 30.4 ± .8kcal·day-1·kg-1) (Pinteraction<.005). Furthermore, time to exhaustion during the VO2max test decreased in PLA (by 2.5 ± .7%, p < .05) but not in KE and PROT (Pinteraction<.05). Lastly, the perception of overall stress increased in PLA and PROT (p < .05), but not in KE (Pinteraction<.05). Conclusion: Increased protein intake effectively prevented muscle wasting and maintained exercise capacity during a period of caloric restriction in female recreational athletes. Furthermore, exogenous ketosis did not affect body composition, but showed its potential in weight management by preserving a drop in exercise capacity and REE and by improving overall stress parameters during a period of caloric restriction.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on weight change and cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with overweight or obesity and without diabetes: A meta-analysis.

Several meta-analyses have been conducted to evaluate the weight loss effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas pooled analysis focusing on individuals without diabetes is lacking. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor monotherapy on weight change and cardiometabolic profiles. Multiple databases were searched for randomized controlled trials reporting weight change effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment compared with placebo for more than 12 weeks among individuals with overweight or obesity and without diabetes. A total of eight randomized controlled trials with 750 subjects were identified. SGLT-2 monotherapy was associated with significant reduction in body weight of -2.32 kg, compared to -1.01 kg for placebo, giving a mean difference of -1.31 kg. Significant reductions in body mass index and fasting blood glucose were observed, but not for the changes in waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, and lipid profile compared with placebo. SGLT-2 inhibitor monotherapy for 12 weeks or more can result in modest weight loss among people with overweight or obesity and without diabetes. Depending on pre-existing comorbidities or risk factors, SGLT-2 inhibitors can be considered adjuncts in the treatment of obesity.

106-OR: A First-in-Human Single Ascending Dose Study of Oxyntomodulin Analog LY3305677 in Healthy Subjects

LY3305677 (LY) is an acylated single chain peptide analog of mammalian oxyntomodulin designed for once weekly dosing. It has dual pharmacology of GLP-1 and glucagon and has therapeutic potential for T2D, obesity and NASH. This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study assessed safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of LY. Healthy subjects (N=48) were randomized (6:2) and 47 received subcutaneous LY (6 doses: 0.03 mg to 5.0 mg) or placebo. Safety biomarkers, LY pharmacokinetics (PK), and key exploratory pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers were assessed including fasting insulin, glucagon, triglyceride levels, and body weight. Most common LY-related AEs were gastrointestinal events. Dose-dependent increase in nausea, decreased appetite, and vomiting were seen. Most of the events were mild and transient. Increase in heart rate was noted, which returned to baseline for most groups at follow-up visit. No injection site reactions were seen. Median time to maximum LY concentration ranged from 18.2 to 72.1 h, and geometric mean half-life ranged from 7.5 to 9.8 days. Generally, mean fasting insulin level increased within 24 h and lasted over 8 days. At Day 8, LY 2.5 mg and 5.0 mg reduced mean fasting glucagon levels by 2.33 pmol/L and 2.67 pmol/L, respectively as compared with placebo. At Day 5, mean fasting triglyceride levels reduced from baseline by 0.5 mmol/L with LY 5.0 mg as compared to 0.1 mmol/L with placebo. Change from baseline in body weight reached a maximum -2.4 kg with the 5 mg dose, versus -0.5 kg for placebo at Day 8 and this effect was sustained through Day 29 at 5 mg. LY3305677 PK properties are suitable for once-weekly dosing with a safety and tolerability profile similar to other incretins in Phase 1 trials, supporting future clinical evaluation. Disclosure L. Tham: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. M. K. Thomas: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. C. Benson: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. R. Bray: None. C. Tang: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Employee; Spouse/Partner; Novartis AG. C. Loghin: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Funding Eli Lilly and Company

493 Weight Loss With FT218, a Once-Nightly Sodium Oxybate Formulation for the Treatment of Narcolepsy: Post Hoc Analysis From REST-ON

Abstract Introduction Patients with narcolepsy are more likely to be obese compared with healthy controls. FT218 is an investigational once-nightly sodium oxybate formulation for the treatment of narcolepsy. Here, we report on changes in weight-related clinical values with FT218 treatment in patients with narcolepsy. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study in patients with narcolepsy ≥16 years old. Patients were not excluded based on baseline weight or body mass index (BMI). Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive FT218 or matching placebo: 4.5 g/night for 1 week, 6.0 g/night for 2 weeks, 7.5 g/night for 5 weeks, and 9.0 g/night for 5 weeks (maximum treatment duration, 13 weeks). Weight and BMI were measured at baseline and study end. LS mean difference in BMI between FT218 and placebo was analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results A total of 107 patients received FT218 and 105 patients received placebo. At baseline, mean (SD) weight was 81.2 (20.8) kg in the FT218 treatment group and 82.1 (22.5) kg in the placebo treatment group. At end of study (week 13), mean (SD) weight was 80.9 (21.9) kg in the FT218 treatment group and 82.25 (21.6) in the placebo treatment group. At week 13, mean (SD) change in weight from baseline was –1.29 (3.6) kg for FT218 and 0.19 (2.6) kg for placebo; 17.5% of patients receiving FT218 vs 3.8% of patients receiving placebo had ≥5% weight loss. At baseline, mean (SD) BMI was 28.1 (7.8) kg/m2 in the FT218 treatment group and 28.2 (6.6) kg/m2 in the placebo treatment group. At study end (week 13), LS mean (SE) change from baseline in BMI was ‒0.51 (0.13) kg/m2 for patients receiving FT218 and 0.08 (0.13) kg/m2 for patients receiving placebo (LS mean difference [95% CI], ‒0.59 [‒0.95 to ‒0.23]; P=0.001). FT218 was generally well tolerated. Conclusion Patients receiving FT218 experienced a significantly greater decrease in weight and BMI vs placebo. These results suggest that treatment with once-nightly FT218 may provide weight-related benefit for patients with narcolepsy and comorbid weight gain. Support (if any) Avadel Pharmaceuticals

Liraglutide for overweight and obesity

Liraglutide for overweight and obesity

Randomized Clinical Trial: Bergamot Citrus and Wild Cardoon Reduce Liver Steatosis and Body Weight in Non-diabetic Individuals Aged Over 50 Years.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the world. However, no effective pharmacological treatment for this condition has been found.Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot citrus and wild cardoon as a treatment for individuals with fatty liver disease. The primary outcome measure was the change in liver fat content.Methods: A total of 102 patients with liver steatosis were enrolled in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received a nutraceutical containing a Bergamot polyphenol fraction and Cynara Cardunculus extract, 300 mg/day for 12 weeks. The control group received a placebo daily. Liver fat content, by transient elastography, serum transaminases, lipids and glucose were measured at the baseline and the end of the study.Results: We found a greater liver fat content reduction in the participants taking the nutraceutical rather than placebo (−48.2 ± 39 vs. −26.9 ± 43 dB/m, p = 0.02); The percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant in those with android obesity, overweight/obesity as well as in women. However, after adjustment for weight change, the percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant only in those over 50 years (44 vs. 78% in placebo and nutraceutical, respectively, p = 0.007).Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years. If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis.Clinical Trial Registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN12833814.

Efficacy and safety of LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, placebo-controlled and active comparator-controlled phase 2 trial

Efficacy and safety of LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, placebo-controlled and active comparator-controlled phase 2 trial

β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Supplementation Effects on Body Mass and Performance in Elite Male Rugby Union Players.

McIntosh, ND, Love, TD, Haszard, J, Osborne, H, and Black, KE. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation effects on body mass and performance in elite male rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 19-26, 2018-Preseason is characterized by high training volumes with short recovery periods β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been postulated to assist with recovery. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate has been shown to improve strength and body composition among untrained groups; the benefits of HMB among trained populations are unclear because of the methodologies employed. This randomized control trail determined the effects of 11 weeks HMB supplementation on body mass and performance measures in 27 elite rugby players. β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate group (n = 13), mean ± SD age 20.3 ± 1.2 years, body mass 99.6 ± 9.1 kg; placebo group (n = 14), age 21.9 ± 2.8 years body mass 99.4 ± 13.9 kg for placebo. During the supplementation period, body mass increased with HMB 0.57 ± 2.60 kg but decreased with placebo 1.39 ± 2.02 kg (p = 0.029). There were no significant differences in any of the 4 strength variables (p > 0.05). However, on the yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YoYo IR-1), the placebo group improved 4.0 ± 2.8 levels but HMB decreased 2.0 ± 3.0 levels (p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest that HMB could be beneficial for gaining or maintaining body mass during periods of increased training load. However, it appears that HMB may be detrimental to intermittent running ability in this group although further research is required before firm conclusions can be made. Only 6 participants on HMB managed to complete both YoYo IR-1 tests because of injury, a larger sample size is required to fully investigate this potentially negative effect. Further, the mechanisms behind this decrement in performance cannot be fully explained and requires further biochemical and psychological investigation.

Efficacy and Safety of Cathine (Nor-Pseudoephedrine) in the Treatment of Obesity: A Randomized Dose-Finding Study

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of increasing doses of cathine (nor-pseudoephedrine) as a weight-lowering agent in patients with obesity. Methods: Overweight and obese patients (n = 241, mean BMI 34.6 ± 3.4 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to one of three doses of cathine (16 mg, 32 mg, 53.3 mg) or placebo in addition to a multimodal lifestyle intervention program in a multicenter, double-blind, controlled, dose-finding study for 24 weeks. Primary outcome was weight loss. Results: Treatment with the 3 doses of cathine resulted in a significantly greater weight loss compared to placebo over 24 weeks: 6.5 ± 4.2 kg for 16 mg cathine, 6.2 ± 4.7 kg for 32 mg cathine, and 9.1 ± 5.4 kg for 53.3 mg cathine versus 2.4 ± 4.4 kg for placebo (each p < 0.01, ANCOVA). The percentage of patients losing > 5% / >10% of initial body weight was significantly greater for all doses of cathine than for placebo (each p < 0.01, chi-square test). Heart rate increased dose-dependently (by 1.2 bpm under 16 mg, 5.8 bpm under 32 mg, and 6.2 bpm under 53.3 mg cathine), but no suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions were noted. The overall dropout rate was 24.9%, with the highest rate in the placebo group (42.3%). Conclusion: Cathine appears to be an effective weight-lowering agent for adjunct treatment of obesity, but additional clinical studies on its efficacy and safety are required.

Sex differences on the acute effects of caffeine on maximal strength and muscular endurance

The aim of this study was to look at the effects of caffeine on strength performance and to examine any differences between sexes. Sixteen moderately active, resistance-trained individuals (10 males and 8 females) performed 2 trials (excluding a familiarisation trial). The effect of 5 mg/kg body mass (BM) caffeine or a placebo on bench press (BP) one repetition maximum (1RM), squat 1RM, the number of BP reps to failure at 40% 1RM (total weight lifted; TWL), pain rating (0-10) were recorded after each final successful lift. BP 1RM was significantly greater (P=0.016), with an increase of 5.91% for males and an increase of 10.69% for females. However, there was no sex difference in squat 1RM with males producing 130.3±27.8 and 134.0±28.9 kg and females producing 66.9±6.2 and 65.3±7.0 kg for placebo and caffeine, respectively. TWL tended to increase with caffeine for males from 1,246.8±704.9 to 1,545.5±920.3 kg; with females having no effect of caffeine (397.8±245.1 to 398.8±182.7kg; P=0.06). Caffeine had no effect on pain perception. This study found that 5 mg/kg BM caffeine improved BP 1RM in resistance-trained males and females. However, for TWL there was a tendency towards improvement in males only, suggesting a sex difference to caffeine ingestion for TWL.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled phase 3 trial of fixed-dose brexpiprazole for the treatment of adults with acute schizophrenia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of brexpiprazole versus placebo in adults with acute schizophrenia. This was a 6-week, multicenter, placebo-controlled double-blind phase 3 study. Patients with acute schizophrenia were randomized to brexpiprazole 1, 2 or 4mg, or placebo (2:3:3:3) once daily. The primary endpoint was changed from baseline at week 6 in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score; the key secondary endpoint was Clinical Global Impressions—Severity (CGI-S) at week 6.Brexpiprazole 4mg showed statistically significant improvement versus placebo (treatment difference: −6.47, p=0.0022) for the primary endpoint. Improvement compared with placebo was also seen for the key secondary endpoint (treatment difference: −0.38, p=0.0015), and on multiple secondary efficacy outcomes. Brexpiprazole 1 and 2mg also showed numerical improvements versus placebo, although p>0.05. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, insomnia and agitation; incidences of akathisia were lower in the brexpiprazole treatment groups (4.2%–6.5%) versus placebo (7.1%). Brexpiprazole treatment was associated with moderate weight gain at week 6 (1.23–1.89kg versus 0.35kg for placebo); there were no clinically relevant changes in laboratory parameters and vital signs. In conclusion, brexpiprazole 4mg is an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment for acute schizophrenia in adults.Clinical Trials.gov NCT01393613; BEACON trial.

Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in Japanese patients with type2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by sulfonylurea with or without metformin: Subanalysis of GetGoal-S.

Aims/IntroductionThis was a subanalysis of Japanese patients included in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist AVE0010 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for glycemic control and safety evaluation (GetGoal-S) study – a 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study of lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by sulfonylurea with or without metformin.Materials and MethodsIn GetGoal-S, 127 Japanese patients received the once-daily prandial glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide 20 μg/day or a matching placebo. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin.ResultsAt week 24, lixisenatide significantly reduced mean glycated hemoglobin (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −1.1% [12 mmol/mol, P < 0.0001]), and significantly more lixisenatide patients reached glycated hemoglobin targets of <7% (53 mmol/mol) and ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) vs the placebo. Lixisenatide produced statistically significant reductions in 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −8.51 mmol/L, P < 0.0001) and glucose excursion vs the placebo, and significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (least squares mean difference vs the placebo −0.65 mmol/L, P = 0.0454). Bodyweight decreased with both lixisenatide and the placebo (least squares mean change −1.12 kg for lixisenatide, −1.02 kg for placebo). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for lixisenatide and the placebo (84.2 and 82.4%, respectively), the most frequent being gastrointestinal disorders (52.6% for lixisenatide vs 29.4% for placebo). The incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia was higher with lixisenatide vs the placebo (17.1 and 9.8%, respectively), with no cases of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in either group.ConclusionsIn the Japanese subpopulation of the GetGoal-S study, lixisenatide produced a significant and clinically relevant improvement in glycated hemoglobin, with a pronounced improvement in postprandial plasma glucose, and a good safety and tolerability profile.

Effect of siltuximab on lean body mass (LBM) in multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) patients (pts).

8576 Background: MCD is a rare lymphoproliferative disease with wasting, fever, night sweats, and fatigue. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in MCD and has a major role in cachexia. Siltuximab is a chimeric anti−IL-6 monoclonal antibody being studied for MCD treatment. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in MCD showed significant improvement in durable tumor and symptomatic response (34 vs 0% placebo; P = 0.0012), with consistent improvements in major secondary endpoints and no increase in AEs compared with placebo. Methods: Pts with confirmed symptomatic MCD were randomized 2:1 to siltuximab 11 mg/kg (n = 53) or placebo (n = 26) IV q3wk. Mean baseline wt was 77 kg for placebo and 69 kg for siltuximab. Pts received best supportive care, and were treated to treatment failure. Abdominal CT scans suitable for body composition analysis were available for 57 (37 on siltuximab, 20 on placebo)/79 subjects. CT scans for each pt time point were landmarked at the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3). L...

IQP‐GC‐101 Reduces Body Weight and Body Fat Mass: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

IQP-GC-101 is a patented blend of the standardized extracts of Garcinia cambogia, Camellia sinensis, unroasted Coffea arabica, and Lagerstroemia speciosa. These individual ingredients of IQP-GC-101 have each shown promise in promoting weight loss; however, the efficacy of the blend has not been established. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study conducted over 14 weeks (including a 2-week run-in phase) aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of IQP-GC-101 in reducing body weight and body fat mass in overweight Caucasian adults. Subjects took three IQP-GC-101 or placebo tablets, twice a day, 30 min before main meals. All subjects also adhered to a 500 kcal/day energy deficit diet with 30% of energy from fat. Ninety-one overweight and mildly obese subjects (46 in the IQP-GC-101 group, 45 in the placebo group) completed the study. After 12-week intervention, IQP-GC-101 resulted in a mean (±SD) weight loss of 2.26 ± 2.37 kg compared with 0.56 ± 2.34 kg for placebo (pU = 0.002). There was also significantly more reduction in body fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the IQP-GC-101 group. No serious adverse events were reported. The use of IQP-GC-101 has been shown to result in body weight and body fat reduction in the current study, with good tolerability. © 2014 InQpharm Group Sdn Bhd. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Long-term study of patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment shows that dapagliflozin reduces weight and blood pressure but does not improve glycemic control

In patients with diabetes, glycemic improvement by sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition depends on the kidney's ability to filter glucose. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, reduces hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes and normal or mildly impaired renal function. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study we assessed daily treatment with dapagliflozin in 252 patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment. The primary endpoint, the mean change in HbA1c, was not statistically different from placebo after 24 weeks (−0.41% and −0.44% for 5- and 10-mg doses, respectively, and −0.32% for placebo). The mean weight change from baseline was −1.54 and −1.89 kg for the 5- and 10-mg doses, respectively, and +0.21 kg for placebo. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in the dapagliflozin groups compared to placebo. Through 104 weeks, 13 patients receiving dapagliflozin and no patients receiving placebo experienced bone fracture. At 1 week, the mean serum creatinine increased with dapagliflozin 5 mg (+0.13 mg/dl) and 10 mg (+0.18 mg/dl) and did not change further after 104 weeks. Mean serum electrolytes did not change in any group, and there were fewer episodes of hyperkalemia with dapagliflozin than placebo. Thus, in patients with moderate renal impairment, dapagliflozin did not improve glycemic control, but reduced weight and blood pressure.

Melatonin attenuates antipsychotic metabolic effects: an eight‐week randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are among the first-line treatments for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but have a tendency to generate metabolic disturbances. These features resemble a metabolic syndrome for which a central autonomic imbalance has been proposed that may originate from the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei. In a clinical trial, we hypothesized that melatonin, a hormone that regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus, could attenuate SGA-induced adverse metabolic effects. In an eight-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, we evaluated the metabolic effect of melatonin in SGA-treated patients in terms of weight, blood pressure, lipid, glucose, body composition, and anthropometric measures. A total of 44 patients treated with SGAs, 20 with bipolar disorder and 24 with schizophrenia, randomly received placebo (n = 24) or melatonin 5 mg (n = 20). The melatonin group showed a decrease in diastolic blood pressure (5.1 versus 1.1 mmHg for placebo, p = 0.003) and attenuated weight gain (1.5 versus 2.2 kg for placebo, F = 4.512, p = 0.040) compared to the placebo group. The strong beneficial metabolic effects of melatonin in comparison to placebo on fat mass (0.2 versus 2.7 kg, respectively, p = 0.032) and diastolic blood pressure (5.7 versus 5.5 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.001) were observed in the bipolar disorder and not in the schizophrenia group. No adverse events were reported. Our results show that melatonin is effective in attenuating SGAs' adverse metabolic effects, particularly in bipolar disorder. The clinical findings allow us to propose that SGAs may disturb a centrally mediated metabolic balance that causes adverse metabolic effects and that nightly administration of melatonin helps to restore. Melatonin could become a safe and cost-effective therapeutic option to attenuate or prevent SGA metabolic effects.

A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin as add‐on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin plus a sulphonylurea

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin as add-on therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin plus a sulphonylurea. In this 24-week, multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind study, outpatients aged ≥18 years with type 2 diabetes, body mass index ≤40 kg/m(2) and inadequate glycaemic control, received saxagliptin 5 mg or placebo once-daily added to background medication consisting of a stable maximum tolerated dose of metformin plus a sulphonylurea. The primary end point was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverse events (AEs), hypoglycaemia and body weight. A total of 257 patients were randomized, treated and included in the safety analysis (saxagliptin, n = 129; placebo, n = 128); 255 were included in the efficacy analysis (saxagliptin, n = 127; placebo, n = 128). HbA1c reduction was greater with saxagliptin versus placebo [between-group difference in adjusted mean change from baseline, -0.66%; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.86 to -0.47 (7 mmol/mol, -9.4 to -5.1); p < 0.0001]. The proportion of patients with ≥1 AE was 62.8% with saxagliptin and 71.7% with placebo. In the saxagliptin and placebo groups, rates of reported hypoglycaemia were 10.1 and 6.3%, respectively, and rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia (symptoms + glucose < 2.8 mmol/l) were 1.6 and 0%. Mean change in body weight was 0.2 kg for saxagliptin and -0.6 kg for placebo (p = 0.0272). Addition of saxagliptin 5 mg/day in patients inadequately controlled on metformin and sulphonylurea effectively improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated.

Efficacy and Safety of Quetiapine in Children and Adolescents With Mania Associated With Bipolar I Disorder

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of quetiapine monotherapy in children and adolescents with mania associated with bipolar I disorder. Patients aged 10 to 17 years, with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of a manic episode associated with bipolar I disorder and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score ≥ 20 were randomized to 3 weeks of quetiapine (400 or 600 mg/d) or placebo. The primary efficacy measure was change in YMRS total score. The study was conducted at 34 centers in the United States between August 2004 and July 2006. The intent-to-treat population included 277 patients. Least squares mean change in YMRS score from baseline to end point by mixed-model, repeated-measures analysis was -14.25, -15.60, and -9.04 for quetiapine 400 mg/d, quetiapine 600 mg/d, and placebo, respectively (P < .001, each quetiapine dose vs placebo). Significant improvement in YMRS score versus placebo was first observed at day 4 (P = .015) with quetiapine 400 mg/d and day 7 (P < .001) with quetiapine 600 mg/d. Mean changes in body weight at day 21 (observed cases) were 1.7 kg for both quetiapine doses and 0.4 kg for placebo. Numerically larger mean increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were observed with quetiapine than placebo. Adverse events associated with quetiapine were mostly mild to moderate in intensity. In this 3-week study, quetiapine was significantly more effective than placebo in improving manic symptoms in youth with mania associated with bipolar disorder. Treatment was generally well tolerated and adverse events were broadly consistent with the known profile of quetiapine in adults with bipolar disorder. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00090311.

A natural fiber complex reduces body weight in the overweight and obese: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study

ObjectiveA proprietary natural fiber complex (Litramine IQP G-002AS) derived from Opuntia ficus-indica, and standardized on lipophilic activity, was previously shown in preclinical and human studies to reduce dietary fat absorption through gastrointestinal (GI) fat binding. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of IQP G-002AS in body weight reduction.Design and MethodsOne hundred twenty-five overweight and obese adults participated in the study. Subjects were advised on physical activity, and received nutritional counseling, including hypocaloric diet plans (30% energy from fat and 500 kcal deficit/day). After a 2-week placebo run-in phase, subjects were randomized to receive either 3 g/day of IQP G-002AS (IQ) or a placebo. The primary endpoint was change in body weight from baseline; secondary endpoints included additional obesity measures and safety parameters.ResultsOne hundred twenty-three subjects completed the 12-week treatment phase (intention-to-treat (ITT) population: 30 male and 93 female; mean BMI: 29.6 ± 2.8 kg/m2 and age: 45.4 ± 11.3 years). The mean body weight change from baseline was 3.8 ± 1.8 kg in IQ vs. 1.4 ± 2.6 kg in placebo (P < 0.001). More IQ subjects lost at least 5% of their initial body weight compared to placebo (P = 0.027). Compared with placebo, IQ also showed significantly greater reduction in BMI, body fat composition, and waist circumference. IQ was well tolerated with no adverse reactions reported.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the natural fiber complex Litramine IQP G-002AS is effective in promoting weight loss.