Publications
Stay up to date with our literature reviews which are curated by experts to feature the most important publications released each month. Explore our publications for access to concise summary slides for your own use.
Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease at High Risk of Progression: Real-World Clinical Practice
Clin Kidney J 2022;15(8);1593-600 doi: 10.1093/ckj/sfac096
In this real-world study, patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with semaglutide significantly improved glycaemic control and decreased weight.
Uric Acid and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition With Empagliflozin in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: The EMPEROR-Reduced Trial
Eur Heart J 2022; online ahead of print doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehac320
Hyperuricaemia is common in heart failure (HF) and is an independent predictor of advanced disease severity and increased mortality. This analysis from EMPEROR-Reduced showed that empagliflozin induced a rapid and sustained reduction of both serum uric acid (SUA) and of clinical events related to hyperuricaemia.
Effect of Semaglutide and Liraglutide in Individuals With Obesity or Overweight Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022;13:1-14 doi: 10.1177/20406223221108064
This systematic literature review found liraglutide and semaglutide led to clinically relevant (≥5%) weight loss in 48.2–88.7% of obese or overweight adults without diabetes.
Data on the effects of liraglutide and semaglutide in diabetes are well-known, but therapeutic outcomes in obese or overweight individuals without diabetes have not been summarised. This systematic review aimed to evaluate their effects in this population, and 18 studies representing 10,938 patients were included.
Empagliflozin Improves Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction Irrespective of Age
J Am Coll Cardiol 2022;80(1):1-18 doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.04.040
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalisation for heart failure (HHF) in patients with HFpEF, and are recommended in recent guidelines for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), supported by Class IA evidence. Typically, HFpEF patients are older than HFrEF, and have a higher mortality risk associated with older age, while the risk for cardiovascular death is lower than in HFrEF. Until now, the treatment effects and safety of SGLT2i in relation to age have not been studied. This prespecified analysis of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial examined the interplay of age and empagliflozin treatment effects.
For patients on placebo, the incidence of primary outcomes and cardiovascular death increased with age. In contrast, empagliflozin reduced the primary outcome, first HHF, and first and recurrent HHF across all age groups. Empagliflozin also improved health-related quality of life, and attenuated the decline of eGFR without age interaction. Additionally, there were no clinically relevant differences in AEs between empagliflozin and placebo across the age groups, and elderly patients tolerated the treatment well.
Design of the COmbinatioN effect of FInerenone anD EmpaglifloziN in participants with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes using an UACR Endpoint study (CONFIDENCE)
Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022 Jun 14;gfac198. Online ahead of print. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfac198.
CONFIDENCE is a new trial currently recruiting. The aim is to demonstrate that 6 months’ dual therapy with finerenone and empagliflozin is superior for reducing albuminuria versus either agent alone.
Despite available interventions, people with T2D remain at risk of chronic kidney disease, which puts them at further risk of kidney failure, CV morbidity, and all-cause mortality. There is therefore a need to slow or attenuate the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reduce CV morbidity and mortality in this population.
Finerenone and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) can both reduce kidney and CV risks, acting via both shared and distinct pathophysiological pathways. Results from post hoc subgroup analyses and a preclinical model suggest dual therapy may provide additive renoprotective effects than using either class alone.
Efficacy of Subcutaneous Semaglutide Compared to Placebo For Weight Loss in Obese, Non-diabetic Adults: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Int J Clin Pharm 2022; online ahead of print DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01428-1
This systematic review and meta-analysis validates the clinical efficacy of semaglutide for the treatment of obesity in adults without T2D. There is substantial evidence for clinicians to consider modification to their management obese population.
Research of the effect of semaglutide on weight loss has largely focused on T2D, and no meta-analyses in non-diabetic individuals have been conducted to date.
Dose–Exposure–Response Analysis of the Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Finerenone on UACR and eGFR: An Analysis from FIDELIO‑DKD
Clin Pharmacokinet 2022; Ahead of print doi: 10.1007/s40262-022-01124-3
The results of this model-based analysis quantified the dose–exposure–response relationship for urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Overall, the relationship between finerenone exposure and UACR and eGFR effects was not modified by sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use and demonstrated independent and additive effects.
Albuminuria-Lowering Effect of Dapagliflozin, Eplerenone, and Their Combination in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial
J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; ahead of print doi:10.1681/ASN.2022020207
This trial demonstrates that the albuminuria-lowering effects of dapagliflozin and eplerenone alone are additive when used in combination. A larger trial in this population is required to confirm long-term efficacy and safety of combined sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment, but this may support the idea that these classes have complementary nephroprotective effects.
Effects of Empagliflozin on Symptoms, Physical Limitations and Quality of Life in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure – Results From the EMPULSE Trial
Circulation 2022; online ahead of print doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.059725
This post hoc and prespecified analysis of the EMPULSE trial found that initiation of empagliflozin in patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) produced clinical benefit regardless of the degree of symptomatic impairment at baseline. Empagliflozin also improved symptoms, physical limitations, and quality of life – with benefits seen as early as 15 days and maintained through 90 days.
Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Overweight Or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis
Endocrine. 2022;75(3):718–24 doi: 10.1007/s12020-021-02945-1
Semaglutide QW was found to be superior to placebo in percentage change and absolute change in body weight. It also led to significant increases in proportions of patients achieving categorical weight reduction targets.