Lilly's Weekly Insulin Proves Effective in Pivotal Trials
Eli Lilly's investigational weekly insulin therapy, efsitora alfa, has demonstrated efficacy in two Phase 3 clinical trials, achieving non-inferiority in A1C reduction compared to daily basal insulins in adults with type 2 diabetes. In a 52-week study, efsitora alfa achieved a 1.34% reduction in A1C, while the daily insulin degludec reduced A1C by 1.26%. Another 26-week study showed that both efsitora alfa and daily insulin glargine achieved a 1.07% reduction in A1C levels. The drug was also found to be safe and well-tolerated among participants, including those who were new to insulin therapy.
These results are significant as they indicate that efsitora alfa could provide a less burdensome option for diabetes management by reducing the frequency of injections. The data is timely, given that a similar weekly insulin, icodec, developed by Novo Nordisk, is also under review. As the clinical program nears completion, with the remaining trials expected to conclude by July, Eli Lilly's findings contribute to the growing field of long-acting insulins. However, experts like Anne L. Peters caution about the potential risks, such as hypoglycemia, and emphasize the importance of considering patient lifestyles when prescribing long-acting insulin regimens. Affordability and access remain concerns, as newer insulins, once approved, may not be accessible to all who could benefit from them.
