Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide combination therapy evaluated for glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes patients inadequately managed by SU/metformin

Achieving optimal glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant challenge for many patients, even with established oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) like sulphonylureas (SU) and metformin. While these agents are foundational, progressive beta-cell dysfunction often necessitates escalation to injectable therapies. Current guidelines recommend GLP-1 receptor agonists or basal insulin as next steps, but combining these can offer synergistic benefits. The fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec (a long-acting basal insulin) and liraglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) aims to simplify treatment regimens while addressing both fasting and postprandial glucose, potentially improving adherence and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain associated with insulin monotherapy.

This Phase 3, multi-national clinical trial (conducted in Asia, Europe, and the USA) aims to assess the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide as an add-on therapy. The study enrolled insulin-naïve adult subjects with Type 2 Diabetes whose glycemic control was inadequate despite ongoing treatment with sulphonylurea (SU) alone or in combination with metformin. All participants continued their pre-trial SU treatment, with or without metformin, at their existing frequency and dose throughout the study. The primary endpoint for evaluating efficacy is the change in Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline.