Data from Phase III trials of empagliflozin and linagliptin combo for T2D - Boehringer/Eli Lilly

Two phase III clinical trials found the investigational combination tablet of empagliflozin and linagliptin, from Boehringer and Eli Lilly, reduced blood glucose levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). These two 52-week trials compared the combination of empagliflozin and linagliptin with empagliflozin or linagliptin alone in patients with T2D and moderately elevated blood glucose levels. One 52-week study of 686 adults with T2D who were taking metformin, revealed both combination doses showed statistically significant reductions in A1C vs the empagliflozin or linagliptin does alone. Statistically significantly more adults who had A1C levels of 7.0 percent or more at baseline achieved A1C levels less than 7.0 percent after 24 weeks with both doses of the combination versus either empagliflozin or linagliptin alone. The combinations resulted in weight loss similar to that of empagliflozin monotherapy.

The second 52-week study of 677 adults with T2D who were treatment-na�ve showed A1C reduction with the empagliflozin 10 mg/linagliptin 5 mg combination was significantly greater than that of empagliflozin 10 mg alone. Both combination doses significantly reduced A1C and body weight. Significantly more adults who had A1C levels of 7.0 percent or more at baseline achieved A1C levels less than 7.0 percent after 24 weeks with both doses of the combination versus empagliflozin or linagliptin alone. AEs were reported in 58.8 percent of subjects on the empagliflozin 25 mg/linagliptin 5 mg combination. No confirmed hypoglycemic events were reported for patients taking the combinations. The findings were presented as late breaking abstracts today at the American Diabetes Association 74th Scientific Sessions.