A new once-daily pill may be just as effective as GLP-1 injections for treating type 2 diabetes, a trial has found. Around six million people in the UK are thought to be living with type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly, causing blood sugar levels to become too high. It is often treated by combining two medicines, metformin and a drug known as an SGLT2 inhibitor, both of which help lower blood sugar levels. In some cases, however, patients are offered GLP-1 receptor agonist injections such as Ozempic, which has gained notoriety as a weight-loss drug in recent years. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone that triggers the pancreas to create more insulin.
Now, scientists from Beijing Hospital believe a new pill could provide a simpler alternative. Researchers analyzed the effects of a drug called HRS-7535 in 194 adults with type 2 diabetes whose condition could not be completely controlled with metformin alone. They found that over 16 weeks, the pill — which is also classed as a GLP-1 receptor agonist — led to substantial reductions in HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels. Authors say their findings mean the pill "may provide a convenient treatment option" in the future.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or daily doses of 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, or 90 mg of HRS-7535. Those given a placebo saw a 0.25% reduction in their HbA1c levels. By comparison, reductions were 1.19% in those taking 15 mg per day, 1.59% with 30 mg per day, 1.82% with 60 mg per day, and 1.64% with 90 mg per day. Experts say normal GLP-1 drugs reduce HbA1c levels by approximately 1.0% to 1.5%, suggesting the new pill could be just as effective. Nearly two-thirds of patients in the 60 mg group also achieved overall HbA1c levels below 7% — a common target for people with type 2 diabetes to prevent serious complications.
In official guidance, separate from the study, leading charity Diabetes UK says "even a slightly raised HbA1c level makes you more at risk of serious complications." Complications arising from diabetes include heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, lung problems, nerve damage, muscle and joint pain, sight loss, and infections to the feet. Expectations surrounding the new study should be tempered as it was a phase 2 trial, meaning the drug is still in its early stages of development. Some participants reported side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, though most cases were mild. However, the researchers believe their findings provide a basis for taking the pill to a phase 3 trial, which would allow testing on thousands of people to explore overall risks and benefits. Authors wrote: "As a nonpeptide oral GLP-1 RA that does not require fasting administration or injection, HRS-7535 may provide a convenient treatment option, pending confirmation in phase 3 trials."
