Dulaglutide Cuts Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH

Dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, helps prevent cardiovascular events in high-risk adults with type 2 diabetes, according to findings from the industry-supported REWIND trial. The research was presented on Sunday at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions and was published in the Lancet.

Some 9900 adults aged 50 and older with hemoglobin A1c of 9.5% or lower while taking at least two oral glucose-lowering agents were randomized to add weekly subcutaneous dulaglutide (1.5 mg) or placebo. Participants had previously experienced a CV event or had CV risk factors.

During a median 5 years' follow-up, the primary outcome — a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from CV disease or unknown causes — occurred significantly less often among dulaglutide than placebo recipients (12.0% vs. 13.4%).

In an exploratory analysis, the researchers also found that dulaglutide lowered the risk for a composite renal outcome, showing the "clearest effect" on progression to macroalbuminuria.

The researchers conclude that "dulaglutide could be considered" for diabetes management in this patient population.