Explore the benefits of sotagliflozin in reducing heart failure, heart attack, and stroke risks among adults with diabetes. Discover its potential impact on kidney function and overall well-being. Read more about this promising development in diabetes management.
In a groundbreaking development, recent findings presented at the 81st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association have highlighted the remarkable benefits of sotagliflozin (Zynquista; Lexicon Pharmaceuticals) in reducing heart failure, heart attack, and stroke among adults with diabetes. This investigational drug, which inhibits sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGTP1) and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGTP2), holds great promise in mitigating the risks associated with heart problems and stroke – prevalent concerns for individuals with diabetes.
Diabetes, a leading cause of kidney failure, amplifies the risk of heart failure by fourfold compared to the general population. The introduction of SGLT2 inhibitors, a relatively recent addition to the arsenal of type 2 diabetes treatments, has revolutionized blood sugar management. These inhibitors enhance glucose control, cardiovascular health, and weight loss by aiding the body in expelling excess blood sugar through urine.
Building on this innovative approach, the SCORED and SOLOIST clinical trials have explored the potential of a combination drug inhibiting both SGLT2 and SGLT1 in patients grappling with kidney or heart failure.
Outcomes of SOLOIST Trial
The SOLOIST trial enrolled 1222 patients with type 2 diabetes recently hospitalized due to worsening heart failure. Meanwhile, the much larger SCORED trial, with 10,584 participants, examined the drug’s efficacy in preventing cardiovascular events in individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Both trials, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, provide compelling evidence of the significant benefits of SGLT1/2 inhibitors.
According to Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, “Our findings are the first of their kind, with this investigational drug demonstrating a benefit in people with diabetes across all the different types of heart failure.”
The SCORED trial demonstrated that SGLT1/2 inhibitors exert benefits across the entire spectrum of albuminuria, a hallmark of kidney disease involving excess protein in urine. Notably, the inhibitors reduced the likelihood of heart attack by 32% and stroke by 34%.
The SOLOIST trial echoed similar sentiments, confirming the safety and effectiveness of SGLT1/2 inhibitors when administered to patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. Additionally, it established that SGLT2 inhibition is a secure and efficacious approach for early, inpatient initiation in individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart failure. This regimen was shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death and hospitalization or urgent visits for heart failure by an impressive 33%.
Dr. Bhatt emphasized, “The results presented today add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the overall benefit of this new class of glucose-lowering agents. It is now clear that most patients with type 2 diabetes and either kidney disease or heart failure should be assessed for initiation of an SGLT inhibitor.”
Sotagliflozin represents a promising advancement in diabetes management, offering significant benefits for heart and kidney health. These findings mark a pivotal moment in diabetes care, paving the way for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition.
