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news.Novo Nordisk has released the results of a study comparing the once-daily human GLP-1 analogue Victoza (liraglutide) with a DPP-4 inhibitor Januvia. The trial showed that Victoza produced greater reductions in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight than Merck's Januvia, with similar or better overall treatment satisfaction.
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Victoza and Januvia are both incretin-based diabetes therapies. Victoza mimics the activity of the naturally-occurring hormone, GLP-1, while Januvia blocks the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of GLP-1 and other substances.
The study was a 26-week, randomised, parallel-group, open-label trial comparing safety and efficacy of the two recommended doses of once-daily Victoza (1.2mg and 1.8mg) with once-daily Januvia (100mg), all added to metformin. It was conducted in Europe and North America in 665 people with type 2 diabetes who were not adequately controlled on daily treatment with =1,500mg metformin alone.
Reportedly, more patients achieved the HbA1c targets of <7·0% (American Diabetes Association [ADA]). Nearly twice as many study participants on Victoza reached the ADA goal compared to the Januvia group (56% and 44% in the 1.8mg and 1.2mg Victoza groups versus 22% in the Januvia group).
Richard Pratley, from diabetes and metabolism translational medicine unit at University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, said: “These data clearly show that Victoza at both doses was more effective than Januvia at achieving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes with the benefit of weight loss. With so many patients still struggling to lower their blood sugar, Victoza represents an effective new option.”