Alirocumab Shows Clinical Benefit in T2DM as Adjunct to Statin Therapy

This article is part of MPR‘s coverage of the American Diabetes Association’s 77th Scientific Sessions (ADA 2017), taking place in San Diego, CA. Our staff will report on medical research and technological advances in diabetes and diabetes education, conducted by experts in the field. Check back regularly for more news from ADA 2017.

Sanofi and Regeneron announced the results of two Phase 3b/4 trials at the 77^th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego, CA. The two trials, ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN and ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA, studied the effects of Praluent (alirocumab) as supplement to maximally tolerated doses (MTD) of statins in diabetic patients. Both studies projected positive results in the reduction of cholesterol levels, as well as helping patients reach their lipid goals.

Previously, results from the ODYSSEY LONG TERM study showed a 60% reduction in LDL-C from baseline to Week 24 in 545 patients with diabetes treated with Praluent150mg + MTD statins.

In the ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN trial, patients were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicenter study to Praluent 75mg every 2 weeks or placebo in addition to MTD statins. Patients had either type 1 (n=76) or type 2 (n=441) diabetes, were on insulin therapy, and had hypercholesterolemia with MTD statins and high CV risk. The dose was adjusted at Week 12 to 150mg every 2 weeks if LDL-C ≥70mg/dL at Week 8.

Praluent achieved its primary endpoint by decreasing LDL-C from baseline to Week 24 by 48.2%, compared to a 0.8% increase in the placebo arm (P<0.0001). Additionally, 80% of patients in the Praluent arm reached their LDL-C goals with Praluent 75mg every 2 weeks.

In the ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA trial, patients with type 2 diabetes and mixed dyslipidemia (n=413) were randomized in an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, multinational study to Praluent 75mg every 2 weeks or standard care in addition to MTD statins. Patients were at high CV risk and were inadequately controlled with MTD statins. Praluent was adjusted at Week 12 to 150mg every 2 weeks if non-HDL-C ≥ 100mg/dL at Week 8. 

The primary endpoint of the ODYSSEY DM-DYSLIPIDEMIA study was the percent change non-HDL-C from baseline to Week 24. Results showed that Praluent every 2 weeks was superior to usual care in decreasing non-HDL-C (37.3% vs. 4.7%; P<0.0001). Sixty-four percent of patients reached their lipid goals with the addition of Praluent therapy. Praluent significantly reduced LDL-C levels by 43.3%, compared to usual care which increased LDL-C by 0.3%.

In both trials, Praluent demonstrated improvement in overall lipid profile in patients and did not negatively impact glycemic control, as measurements of fasting blood glucose, A1C, and diabetes therapy remained stable throughout the study.

Overall, given its tolerability and benefit in improving lipid profiles and achieving lipid goals, Praluent showed potential as adjunct therapy in patients with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. 

Praluent, a PCSK9 inhibitor, targets LDL receptors (LDLR) on hepatocytes. By interfering with the binding between PCSK9 and LDLR, Praluent increases the availability of LDLR to clear circulating LDL-C, thus decreasing LDL-C levels. Currently, Praluent is approved as adjunctive therapy to diet and MTD statin therapy for the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical ACVD who require additional reduction in LDL-C. 

Praluent is supplied as cartons of 1 or 2 pre-filled pens, or 1 or 2 pre-filled syringes, designed to deliver 1mL of 75mg/mL or 150mg/mL solution.

For more information visit Praluent.com.

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