Results from a two-year study demonstrate that Trajenta (linagliptin) provides similar blood glucose improvements when compared to the commonly prescribed sulphonylurea, glimepiride, in adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on metformin alone. The study published in Lancet also describes that linagliptin was associated with significantly fewer hypoglycaemic events and resulted in relative weight loss of 2.7 kg compared to glimepiride.

The publication reports on a two-year, randomised, double-blind study in 1,552 patients evaluating the efficacy of linagliptin compared to glimepiride as measured by a reduction in HbA1c from baseline in patients uncontrolled on metformin alone.

Professor Baptist Gallwitz, Professor of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany said, “These study results are interesting to the medical community because of the main study objective which was to compare the glycaemic control achieved by linagliptin and glimepiride.” Professor Gallwitz added, “The safety evaluation is interesting; and, although based on a small number of cardiovascular events (n=38), we were able to evaluate and compare the incidences of major cardiovascular events between linagliptin and glimepiride for the first time.”

The profile of linagliptin vs. glimepiride is being further investigated in the ongoing, head-to-head outcomes trial CAROLINA - the first outcomes study to compare a DPP-4 inhibitor with an active comparator. The study investigates 6,000 patients over a five year period and patient recruitment is due to complete this year.

Linagliptin (5 mg, once daily) is marketed in the US as Tradjenta (linagliptin) tablets, in Europe as Trajenta (linagliptin) tablets, and in other global markets as a once-daily tablet that is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Linagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine). With linagliptin, no dose adjustment is required regardless of declining renal function or hepatic impairment.

An estimated 366 million people worldwide have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 per cent of all diabetes cases. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.

In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in the field of diabetes that centers on four pipeline compounds representing several of the largest treatment classes. This alliance leverages the companies’ strengths as two of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim’s solid track record of research-driven innovation and Lilly’s innovative research, experience, and pioneering history in diabetes. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of patients with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and it has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organisations.