Positive data from EASIE trial for Lantus (Sanofi) in patients with early Type 2 Diabetes

Patients with early Type 2 Diabetes uncontrolled on metformin demonstrated superior HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) reduction with Lantus (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), from Sanofi, versus sitagliptin, according to data from the EASIE trial. Notably 50% more patients on Lantus achieved HbA1c less than 7% (68 vs. 42%) and less than 6.5% (40 vs. 17%) compared to sitagliptin, indicating improved glycemic control for a greater number of Lantus patients. Additionally, a statistically significant improvement in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was observed for patients on Lantus compared to sitagliptin. Treatment-emergent adverse events were less frequent in patients on Lantus (108 patients [46%]) versus sitagliptin (143 patients [54%]). Hypoglycemia rates were higher with Lantus (4.21 events per patient year versus 0.50 for sitagliptin. Results were presented by Pablo Aschner, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Colombia at the American Diabetes Association 72nd Scientific Sessions. Results of the study were also published online in The Lancet: "Insulin glargine versus sitagliptin in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus uncontrolled on metformin (EASIE): a multicentre, randomised open-label trial." by Prof Pablo Aschner et al. The Lancet 9 June 2012.