Yesterday, The Lancet published online the results of the first study comparing the once-daily human GLP-1 analog, Victoza® (liraglutide [rDNA] injection) with a DPP-4 inhibitor, Januvia®. The 26-week trial showed that Victoza® produced significantly greater reductions in A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and body weight than Januvia®, with similar or better overall treatment satisfaction.
In addition, significantly more patients achieved the A1C targets of <7.0% (American Diabetes Association [ADA]). Nearly twice as many study participants on Victoza® reached the ADA goal compared to the Januvia® group (56% and 44% in the 1.8mg and 1.2mg Victoza® groups versus 22% in the Januvia® group).
"These data clearly show that Victoza® at both doses was more effective than Januvia® at achieving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes with the benefit of weight loss," said Dr. Richard Pratley, of the Diabetes and Metabolism Translational Medicine Unit, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington. "With so many patients still struggling to lower their blood sugar, Victoza® represents an effective new option."