Lilly's Basal Insulin Peglispro Shows Superiority to Insulin Glargine in Reducing HbA1c in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Eli Lilly and Company's basal insulin peglispro (BIL) consistently demonstrated superior hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction in people with type 2 diabetes compared to insulin glargine across three Phase III trials. The results were presented today at the 75th American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions in Boston.

The trials compared BIL and insulin glargine in three common type 2 patient populations: those not previously using insulin (IMAGINE-2), those using basal insulin with mealtime insulin (IMAGINE-4) and those currently using a basal insulin (IMAGINE-5).

"BIL is the first and only basal insulin to consistently demonstrate superior glycemic benefits along with a reduction in nocturnal hypoglycemia and a weight advantage compared to insulin glargine in Phase III clinical studies," said Melanie Davies, professor of diabetes medicine, University of Leicester, UK. "Further innovation in basal insulin treatments is important as many people currently being treated do not reach glycemic targets and experience nocturnal hypoglycemia or weight gain."

Additional data from IMAGINE-2, IMAGINE-4 and IMAGINE-5 showed that more patients taking BIL consistently met the ADA's recommended HbA1c target of less than 7%. A greater percentage of BIL-treated patients also reported less nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to those on insulin glargine. Rates of total and severe hypoglycemia did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Patients taking BIL experienced less weight gain than patients taking insulin glargine in IMAGINE-2 and IMAGINE-4.

In all three clinical trials, patients taking BIL had an increase in the liver enzyme ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and triglyceride levels were higher than in patients treated with insulin glargine. Liver fat content was higher after treatment with BIL compared to insulin glargine in subsets of patients studied from IMAGINE-2 and IMAGINE-5.

"BIL is mechanistically different from current basal insulins. It has a hepato-preferential action, driven by its reduced effect on peripheral tissues," said David Kendall, vice president, Medical Affairs, Lilly Diabetes. "What we've seen from the Phase III trials are unprecedented results in the basal insulin space: superior glycemic control with less nocturnal hypoglycemia and reduced weight gain, all of which are important to physicians and patients. We're pleased to share these Phase III results with the scientific community this week. "