AstraZeneca's Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Shows Clinical Benefit In Adolescents

AstraZeneca Plc AZN has reported results from the Phase 3 trial evaluating exenatide extended-release 2mg in adolescents aged 10–17 years with type 2 diabetes.
This once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist significantly reduced blood sugar, as measured by HbA1c, versus placebo.
The results were presented at the 2021 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that exenatide reduced HbA1c from baseline compared with placebo at 24 weeks, with mean changes of −0.36% and +0.49%, respectively.
Data at week 24 also showed that exenatide was generally well tolerated and consistent with the existing safety profile in adults.
The most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections (10% in the exenatide group) and abdominal pain (13% in the placebo group).
Gastrointestinal disorders were reported less frequently in the exenatide once weekly group than in the placebo group (22% vs. 26%).
The FDA granted AstraZeneca a priority review for its supplemental application to use exenatide in adolescents 10–17 years old.
In the US, exenatide is currently indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D.
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