Improved postprandial glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes by the dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor agonist SAR425899 in comparison with liraglutide

AIM: To gain further insights into the efficacy of SAR425899, a dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1/glucagon receptor agonist, by providing direct comparison with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, in terms of key outcomes of glucose metabolism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy overweight to obese subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were randomized to receive once‐daily subcutaneous administrations of SAR425899 (0.12, 0.16 or 0.20 mg), liraglutide (1.80 mg) or placebo for 26 weeks. Mixed meal tolerance tests were conducted at baseline (BSL) and at the end of treatment (EOT). Metabolic indices of insulin action and secretion were assessed via Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA2) and oral minimal model (OMM) methods. RESULTS: From BSL to EOT (median [25th, 75th] percentile), HOMA2 quantified a significant improvement in basal insulin action in liraglutide (35% [21%, 74%]), while secretion enhanced both in SAR425899 (125% [63%, 228%]) and liraglutide (73% [43%, 147%]). OMM quantified, both in SAR425899 and liraglutide, a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (203% [58%, 440%] and 36% [21%, 197%]), basal beta‐cell responsiveness (67% [34%, 112%] and 40% [16%, 59%]), and above‐basal beta‐cell responsiveness (139% [64%, 261%] and 69% [−15%, 120%]). A significant delay in glucose absorption was highlighted in SAR425899 (37% [52%,18%]). CONCLUSIONS: SAR425899 and liraglutide improved postprandial glucose control in overweight to obese subjects with T2D. A significantly higher enhancement in beta‐cell function was shown by SAR425899 than liraglutide.