Efficacy of Dorzagliatin as an Add-On Therapy in Diabetes

Metformin is the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, its efficacy decreases after some time and an add-on therapy with another drug is needed to maintain normal glucose levels. A clinical trial exploreS the use of dorzagliatin as an adjunct therapy to metformin in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of T2D continues to increase worldwide. In 2021, approximately 537 million (one in ten) adults (aged 20–79 years) were living with diabetes worldwide, of whom 90–95% were diagnosed with T2D. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. It can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Metformin is a common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, but its efficacy decreases over time in patients with T2D due to continued deterioration of β-cell function. Thus, patients may need additional medications to manage their blood sugar levels.

Dorzagliatin is a new type of medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme called 11β-HSD1, which is involved in the production of glucose in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, dorzagliatin can help reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Trial

The clinical trial found that adding dorzagliatin to metformin can improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The trial involved 767 patients with type 2 diabetes who were already taking metformin but still had poor glycemic control. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either dorzagliatin or a placebo in addition to their metformin treatment for 24 weeks.

At the end of the clinical trial period, the researchers found that patients who received dorzagliatin had a greater reduction in their HbA1c levels compared to those who received the placebo. Specifically, there was a 1.02% decrease in HbA1c level in the dorzagliatin group compared to a 0.36% decrease in the control group. HbA1c is a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, and a lower HbA1c level indicates better glycemic control.

Additionally, the clinical trial demonstrated that dorzagliatin was generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. There were no severe hypoglycemia events or drug-related serious adverse events in the dorzagliatin and metformin combined therapy group.

Overall, the clinical study suggests that adding dorzagliatin to metformin can be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes who have inadequate glycemic control with metformin alone.

Conclusion

This clinical trial has demonstrated that dorzagliatin can be a promising add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes who are already taking metformin. This medication has the potential to help improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. However, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication or making changes to their treatment plan.
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