Post-hoc analysis shows Xultophy reduces cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetics

A post-hoc analysis, recently presented during the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2017), has demonstrated that Xultophy (insulin degludec/liraglutide) significantly reduced a number of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

In the study, Xultophy was compared to basal insulin treatment and was found to lower systolic blood pressure, lower total cholesterol as well as lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significant weight changes. However, a small but statistically significant increase in heart rate was noted in the patients treated with Xultophy.

“People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke compared to the general population, so reducing this risk as much as possible should be a central goal of treatment,” said Professor Tina Vilsbøll, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Denmark & Center for Diabetes Research, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. “I am very pleased to see the beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk markers provided by Xultophy.”

“This added benefit of Xultophy is certainly great news for the population at risk of developing cardiovascular disease on top of their existing type 2 diabetes,” said Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk. “At Novo Nordisk we strive to develop innovative treatments, reinforcing our long-term commitment to defeat diabetes. Xultophy is a key component of this commitment.”

Xultophy is a once-daily single injection fixed-ratio combination of long-acting insulin degludec (Tresiba) and the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide (Victoza) in one pen, which is administered via subcutaneous injection.