Diabetes: weekly insulin has a positive effect on tests – 7/5/2023 – Health

Two studies presented at the end of June at the meeting of the American Association for Diabetes (ADA) observed a positive effect of a new insulin applied once a week for the treatment of the condition. The current model of the substance used for diabetes is daily, which may represent barriers for some patients.

The new insulin, called icodeca, is produced by Novo Nordisk – the pharmaceutical company also funded the studies. The company stated to Sheet who submitted weekly insulin to Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) assessment in April 2023. The analysis should last between 16 and 24 months. After that, if authorized, price regulation is necessary, a process that may take a few months.

One of the studies released at the congress divided 588 participants with type 2 diabetes into two groups: one that used icodeca for 26 weeks and another that accessed the daily insulin model called degludec during the same period. Then, the result between the two segments was compared.

One parameter was in relation to glycated hemoglobin, a factor that helps to identify whether there are high levels of blood glucose in the body. Members who used icodeca had a slightly better result compared to degludeca.

Another measure observed was hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. In some cases of diabetes treatment, this can occur. Patients with icodeca did not present a hypoglycemia scenario statistically different from those using daily insulin.

The other study presented compared icodeca with glargine, a type of daily use insulin. The 984 participants with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups, each taking one of the medications. At the end of the research, it was observed that icodeca had positive results and similar to another investigation.

The use of the new insulin model can facilitate adherence to treatment. Since icodeca is recommended once a week, injections must be given about 52 times a year, far less than the 36 that daily insulin requires.

In addition to Anvisa, other regulatory agencies also analyze the drug. According to Novo Nordisk, the US FDA, the European Union’s EMA, and China’s NMPA are evaluating a possible drug authorization.