Liraglutide's Glycemic Control Efficacy as Metformin Add-on Investigated Against Other Oral Antidiabetics in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glycemic control, often leading to severe microvascular and macrovascular complications. While metformin remains the first-line therapy, many patients require additional agents to achieve and maintain target HbA1c levels. Traditional oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) have diverse mechanisms but may have limitations regarding efficacy, weight gain, or hypoglycemia risk. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, offer a compelling alternative by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriate glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety, often leading to weight loss. This trial was designed to rigorously compare liraglutide's add-on efficacy against other OADs.

This global, Phase 4, randomized controlled trial enrolled 404 adults with Type 2 Diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin. Participants received either Victoza® (liraglutide) or other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), both as add-on therapies to their existing metformin regimen. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of these add-on treatments over a period of up to 104 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline.