Merck's omarigliptin achieved similar A1C reductions to Januvia in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on Metformin monotherapy

Omarigliptin was found to be non-inferior to Merck’s once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor, Januvia (sitagliptin), at reducing patients’ A1C levels from baseline, with similar A1C reductions achieved in both groups.

Omarigliptin was found to be non-inferior to Merck’s once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor, Januvia (sitagliptin), at reducing patients’ A1C levels from baseline, with similar A1C reductions achieved in both groups. The head-to-head study was designed to evaluate once-weekly treatment with omarigliptin 25 mg compared with 100 mg of Januvia once daily, a widely prescribed DPP-4 inhibitor worldwide. Results were presented during an oral session at the 51st European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting.

“Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that affects millions of Americans, and its prevalence continues to grow rapidly. Many people are still not at their recommended blood sugar levels, underscoring the importance of individualized blood sugar goals and multiple treatment options,” said Sam Engel, associate vice president, Merck clinical research, diabetes and endocrinology. “Omarigliptin has the potential to be an important treatment option, particularly for those who also prefer once-weekly dosing.”

Merck submitted a new drug application to the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in November 2014 and plans to submit for regulatory approval of omarigliptin in the US by the end of 2015. The clinical development program for omarigliptin, O-QWEST (Omarigliptin Q Weekly Efficacy and Safety in Type 2 Diabetes), includes 10 Phase III clinical trials involving approximately 8000 patients with type 2 diabetes.