New Study Compares Efficacy of Once-Weekly GLP-1RAs

Dulaglutide, once-weekly exenatide, and taspolglutide are associated with the largest reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), according to a recent comparison.

In order to compare the benefits, adverse effects, and efficacy of GLP-1RAs, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 34 randomized, controlled trials including 21,126 participants studying albiglutide, dulaglutide, once-weekly exenatide, semaglutide, and taspoglutide.
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Overall, all GLP-1RAs reduced HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, and taspoglutide, once-weekly exenatide, and dulaglutide reduced body weight. Compared to placebo, dulaglutide was associated with the greatest reductions in HbA1c, followed by once-weekly exenatide, dulaglutide, and taspoglutide. Taspoglutide was associated with the most weight loss, and dulaglutide and exenatide were associated with the highest risk of symptomatic hypoglycemia.

No difference was found for blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and C-reactive protein levels.

Researchers noted that due to the low reliability of some of the evidence summarized, the differences between these agents should be taken with caution.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Zaccardi F, Htike ZZ, Webb DR, et al. Benefits and harms of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatments: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine. December 8, 2015. [epub ahead of print]. doi:10.7326/M15-1432.