The investigational once-weekly oral DPP-4 inhibitor MK-3102 (MSD) improves glycaemic control with low risk of symptomatic hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, show results of a study reported at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting (1-5 October 2012; Berlin, Germany) supporting ongoing phase III trials.
The phase IIb study randomised 685 type 2 diabetes patients with inadequate glycaemic control on diet and exercise and an average baseline HbA1c of around 8% to one of five doses of MK-3102 (0.25, 1, 3, 10 or 25 mg) or placebo.
Results showed that all doses of MK-3102 significantly reduced HbA1c compared to placebo (p
Reporting the findings, Dr Ira Gantz, from Clinical Research, Metabolism, with Merck Research Laboratories, said: “Treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes with once-weekly MK-3102 significantly improved glycaemic control and was well-tolerated. The efficacy and safety were comparable to published efficacy and safety results for DPP-4 inhibitors.” He added: “If approved, MK-3102 would provide a novel, once-weekly treatment option to help reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.”
Nancy Thornberry, Senior Vice President and Franchise Head, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Merck Research Laboratories, said: “We are encouraged by these phase IIb results in patients with type 2 diabetes, and we are initiating phase III studies to move MK-3102 forward in the development process.”
Written by Susan Mayor PhD, freelance medical journalist, London, UK