Once Weekly Drug Helps Control Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes

Data Shows Potential Breakthrough Treatment Option for Glucose Management in Adolescents with Uncontrolled Diabetes 

NEW ORLEANS, June 4, 2022  /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from an international study show a once-weekly injection of dulaglutide was superior in improving glycemic control in youth with type 2 diabetes compared to placebo. The trial was presented at the 82^nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) in New Orleans, LA, and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The findings come at a time when cases of type 2 diabetes among youth have more than doubled, since the pandemic. Currently, there are limited treatment options for youth with diabetes, despite being a growing and progressive condition. This study sought to evaluate if a once-weekly subcutaneous injection of GLP-1 receptor agonist, dulaglutide—a drug that is approved in adults—would improve glycemic control in youth with type 2 diabetes.

The study enrolled 154 patients between the ages of 10 and 18 (mean age, 14.5 years; mean BMI, 34.1 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes treated with lifestyle alone or on stable metformin with or without basal insulin. Patients were randomized to placebo (N=51), 0.75 mg dose of dulaglutide (N=51), or 1.5 mg dose of dulaglutide (N=52). The primary endpoint was to demonstrate superiority of dulaglutide (pooled doses) versus placebo for change in A1C (a strong indicator of blood glucose levels) at 26 weeks.

Findings show that in youth with unmanaged type 2 diabetes treated with or without metformin and/or basal insulin, a once weekly 0.75 mg or 1.5 mg dose of dulaglutide was superior to placebo in improving glycemic control without an effect on BMI through 26 weeks. The safety of the therapy was consistent with the safety profile established in adults taking dulaglutide.

"These findings are a potential breakthrough in the pediatric diabetes space and can help address the unmet need for additional treatments available to young people with diabetes, particularly pharmacotherapeutic options," said Silva Arslanian MD, Richard L. Day-endowed professor of pediatrics, director Center for Pediatric Research in Obesity and Metabolism, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. "We are encouraged by the strong HbA1C improvements achieved, and are hopeful that a once-a-weekly medication could be a step forward for how young people are treated."

Research presentation details:
Dr. Silva Arslanian and study investigators will present the findings of the trial during the poster session listed below: 

• Dulaglutide in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)—Results of the AWARD-PEDS Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
• Presented on Monday, June 6 at 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT

For more information, please contact the ADA Scientific Sessions media team onsite at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from June 3–7, by phone at 504-670-4902, or by email at [email protected].

About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 82^nd Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be a hybrid event held June 3–7, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. Leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world will unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. We are eager to get back to safely participating in person and networking with colleagues while hearing the latest scientific advances and groundbreaking research presentations. Learn more and register at scientificsessions.diabetes.org and join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADA2022. 

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 81 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for the over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together, what we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). 

Contact: Daisy Diaz, 504-670-4902
[email protected]

SOURCE American Diabetes Association