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Background: Hyperkalemia increases risk of cardiac arrhythmias and death and limits the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, which improve clinical outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease or systolic heart failure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiorenal events in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with chronic kidney disease. However, their effect on hyperkalemia has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using individual participant data from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical outcome trials with SGLT2 inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with chronic kidney disease in whom serum potassium levels were routinely measured. The primary outcome was time to serious hyperkalemia, defined as central laboratory–determined serum potassium ≥6.0 mmol/L, with other outcomes including investigator-reported hyperkalemia events and hypokalemia (serum potassium ≤3.5 mmol/L). Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate treatment effects from each trial with hazards ratios and corresponding 95% CIs pooled with random-effects models to obtain summary treatment effects, overall and across key subgroups. Results: Results from 6 trials were included comprising 49 875 participants assessing 4 SGLT2 inhibitors. Of these, 1754 participants developed serious hyperkalemia, and an additional 1119 investigator-reported hyperkalemia events were recorded. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of serious hyperkalemia (hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.76–0.93]), an effect consistent across studies ( P heterogeneity =0.71). The incidence of investigator-reported hyperkalemia was also lower with SGLT2 inhibitors (hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.68–0.93]; P heterogeneity =0.21). Reductions in serious hyperkalemia were observed across a range of subgroups, including baseline kidney function, history of heart failure, and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor, diuretic, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. SGLT2 inhibitors did not increase the risk of hypokalemia (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.94–1.15]; P heterogeneity =0.42). Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of serious hyperkalemia in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with chronic kidney disease without increasing the risk of hypokalemia.

To assess selected cardiorenal outcomes with ertugliflozin according to use of baseline glucose-lowering agent.VERTIS CV was a cardiovascular (CV) outcome trial for ertugliflozin versus placebo, conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic CV disease. The primary outcome was time to the first event of CV death, myocardial infarction or stroke (major adverse CV events [MACE]), with other CV outcomes also assessed. Outcomes were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by baseline use of metformin, insulin, sulphonylureas (SUs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, with interaction testing to assess for treatment effect modification. Changes from baseline in glycaemic, metabolic and haemodynamic variables were also assessed.Of 8246 randomized patients, at baseline 6286 (76%) were on metformin, 3898 (47%) were on insulin, 3383 (41%) were on SUs and 911 (11%) were on DPP-4 inhibitors, alone or in combination therapy (67% used1 glucose-lowering agent at baseline). For each glucose-lowering agent evaluated, no evidence for effect modification was observed for MACE by baseline use of metformin (with: hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.790, 1.073; without: 1.13, 95% CI 0.867, 1.480), insulin (with: HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.765, 1.092; without: 1.06, 95% CI 0.867, 1.293), SUs (with: HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.890, 1.388; without: 0.90, 95% CI 0.761, 1.060) or DPP-4 inhibitors (with: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.502, 1.173; without: 1.00, 95% CI 0.867, 1.147) (all PIn VERTIS CV, the effects of ertugliflozin on cardiorenal outcomes were consistent across subgroups of patients stratified by baseline glucose-lowering agent.gov identifier: NCT01986881.

To conduct a post hoc analysis to explore indices of hepatic steatosis/fibrosis and cardiorenal outcomes in the VERTIS CV study.Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease were randomized to ertugliflozin or placebo. Liver steatosis and fibrosis were assessed post hoc using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index to explore associations with cardiorenal outcomes (ertugliflozin and placebo data pooled, intention-to-treat analysis set). Cardiorenal outcomes (major adverse CV events [MACE]; hospitalization for heart failure [HHF]/CV death; CV death; HHF; and a composite kidney outcome) were stratified by baseline HSI and FIB-4 quartiles (Q1-Q4). Change in liver indices and enzymes over time were assessed (for ertugliflozin vs. placebo).Amongst 8246 participants, the mean age was 64.4 years, body mass index 32.0 kg/mIn VERTIS CV, higher FIB-4 score was associated with CV events. HSI correlated with HHF. Neither measure was associated with the composite kidney outcome. Ertugliflozin was associated with a reduction in liver enzymes and HSI.

Summary: This post hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind study of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis found that there were early increases in bone turnover markers and decreases in bone mineral density after discontinuation of long-term alendronate. These findings might help guide treatment decisions, including monitoring after alendronate withdrawal. Introduction: The short-term effects of discontinuing long-term bisphosphonates are poorly characterized. This post hoc analysis investigated 1–12-month changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTM) after alendronate (ALN) discontinuation. Methods: Data were from a randomized, double-blind trial of MK-5442 (calcium-sensing receptor antagonist) following oral bisphosphonates, with placebo and continued ALN controls (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00996801). Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had received oral bisphosphonate (≥ 3–4 preceding years; ALN for the 12 months pre-screening), continuing on ALN 70 mg/week (n = 87) or placebo (n = 88). Results: At 12 months, least-squares mean percent changes from baseline BMD (placebo vs. ALN) were lumbar spine (LS): – 0.36 vs. 1.29, total hip: – 1.44 vs. 0.46, and femoral neck (FN): – 1.26 vs. – 0.08 (all P < 0.05). BTM levels increased by 1–3 months, to 12 months, with placebo vs. ALN (P < 0.001). FN BMD decline was greater in the placebo subgroup with higher urinary N-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen/creatinine [uNTx/Cr] (P < 0.01), and higher serum N-terminal pro-peptide of type 1 collagen [P1NP] levels (P < 0.05), at baseline. There was a trend toward greater FN BMD loss with higher BTM levels at 3 and/or 6 months. Younger age and higher LS BMD at baseline were associated with greater LS BMD loss at 12 months (P = 0.04 and < 0.01, respectively); higher baseline FN BMD predicted greater FN BMD loss (P = 0.04). Conclusion: Early changes in BTM levels and BMD were observed after discontinuation of long-term ALN. Further characterization of factors associated with patients’ risk of bone loss upon bisphosphonate discontinuation is warranted.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and composite kidney outcomes, but the mediators underlying these benefits are unknown.Among participants from VERTIS CV, a trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease randomized to ertugliflozin versus placebo, Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the percentage mediation of ertugliflozin efficacy on the first HHF and kidney composite outcome in 26 potential mediators. Time-dependent approaches were used to evaluate associations between early (change from baseline to the first post-baseline measurement) and average (weighted average of change from baseline using all post-baseline measurements) changes in covariates with clinical outcomes.For the HHF analyses, early changes in four biomarkers (haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum albumin and urate) and average changes in seven biomarkers (early biomarkers + weight, chloride and serum protein) were identified as fulfilling the criteria as mediators of ertugliflozin effects on the risk of HHF. Similar results were observed for the composite kidney outcome, with early changes in four biomarkers (glycated haemoglobin, haemoglobin, haematocrit and urate), and average changes in five biomarkers [early biomarkers (not glycated haemoglobin) + weight, serum albumin] mediating the effects of ertugliflozin on the kidney outcome.In these analyses from the VERTIS CV trial, markers of volume status and haemoconcentration and/or haematopoiesis were the strongest mediators of the effect of ertugliflozin on reducing risk of HHF and composite kidney outcomes in the early and average change periods.NCT01986881.

Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of ertugliflozin in older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and methods This is a post hoc analysis of patients with T2D aged less than 65 years and those aged 65 years or older who participated in randomized, double-blind, phase III studies of ertugliflozin. Efficacy was evaluated in a pooled analysis of three placebo-controlled studies (ertugliflozin monotherapy and add-on therapy). Safety was evaluated in a pooled analysis of seven placebo- and active-controlled studies (including those used for efficacy). Least-squares mean change from baseline was calculated for HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body weight (BW) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Safety evaluation included overall and prespecified adverse events (AEs). Results In participants aged less than 65 years, the placebo-adjusted mean changes from baseline in HbA1c, BW and SBP with ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg at week 26 were -0.9% and -1.0%, -1.9 and -1.8 kg, and -3.7 and -3.6 mmHg, respectively; in participants aged 65 years or older they were -0.6% and -0.8%, -1.9 and -2.2 kg, and -2.7 and -3.4 mmHg, respectively. The incidences of AEs, serious AEs, discontinuations and deaths in participants aged less than 65 years and those aged 65 years or older were generally similar across the treatment groups. In patients aged 65 years or older the incidences of volume depletion AEs and genital mycotic infection were higher with ertugliflozin than with non-ertugliflozin. Conclusions Ertugliflozin improved glycaemic control, BW and SBP in younger and older individuals with T2D and was generally well tolerated in both groups.

PURPOSE To identify factors associated with chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) control in pediatric patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS An individual, patient‐level, pooled analysis was performed using data from five clinical trials of aprepitant or fosaprepitant in pediatric patients receiving HEC or MEC. The proportion of individuals who experienced no vomiting (complete CIV control) during the phase of interest was the primary study end point. The association of acute-phase complete CIV control (from first chemotherapy dose to 24 hours after the last chemotherapy dose of the chemotherapy block) with age, sex, race, cancer type, acute-phase duration, and antiemetic regimen was examined. Association of the same factors and acute-phase complete CIV control with complete CIV control in the delayed phase (end of acute phase until ≤ 96 hours later) was examined. RESULTS A total of 735 patients (mean age, 8.9 years; range, 0.3 to 17.9 years) were included in the acute-phase analysis. Acute-phase complete CIV control was less likely in older patients (relative risk [RR], 0.97 per year; 95% CI, 0.96 to 0.98 per year) and longer acute-phase duration (RR, 0.89 per day; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.94 per day). Receipt of ondansetron plus aprepitant or fosaprepitant was associated with a higher likelihood of acute-phase complete CIV control versus ondansetron alone (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.50). Delayed-phase complete CIV control was more likely in patients with acute-phase complete CIV control (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.34) and in those who received aprepitant or fosaprepitant. CONCLUSION Younger age, shorter acute-phase duration, and antiemetic regimen were associated with acute-phase complete CIV control in pediatric patients receiving HEC or MEC. Acute-phase complete CIV control and antiemetic regimen were associated with delayed-phase complete CIV control.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor ertugliflozin across racial groups in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: Pooled analysis of data from randomized, double-blind studies in the ertugliflozin phase III development program. Seven placebo- and comparator-controlled studies were used to assess safety (N = 4859) and three placebo-controlled studies were used to assess efficacy (N = 1544). Least-squares (LS) mean change from baseline was calculated for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Safety evaluation included overall and prespecified adverse events (AEs).Results: At Week 26, ertugliflozin provided a greater reduction in HbA1c, body weight and SBP versus placebo in all racial subgroups. The placebo-adjusted LS mean change (95% confidence interval) from baseline in HbA1c was -0.8% (-1.0, -0.7) and -1.0% (-1.1, -0.8) with ertugliflozin 5 mg and 15 mg, respectively, in the White subgroup, -0.7% (-1.2, -0.2) and -0.8% (-1.3, -0.3) in the Black subgroup, and -0.8% (-1.1, -0.5) and -1.0% (-1.3, -0.8) in the Asian subgroup. The incidences of overall AEs, serious AEs and AEs leading to discontinuation from study medication were similar between the ertugliflozin 5 mg, 15 mg and non-ertugliflozin groups within each racial subgroup. The incidence of female genital mycotic infection (GMI) was higher with ertugliflozin than non-ertugliflozin across all racial subgroups. The incidence of male GMI was higher with ertugliflozin than non-ertugliflozin in the White sub-group; however, there were few male GMI events in the non-White subgroups.Conclusions: In patients with T2DM, treatment with ertugliflozin improved HbA1c, body weight and SBP across all racial subgroups. Ertugliflozin had a generally similar safety profile across racial subgroups and was generally well tolerated. Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT01986855, NCT01999218, NCT01958671, NCT02099110, NCT02036515, NCT02033889, and NCT02226003.

Aims/hypothesisThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of ertugliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on eGFR and albuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio [UACR]) vs glimepiride or placebo/glimepiride (non-ertugliflozin) over 104 weeks of treatment in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, using pooled data from two randomised controlled, active comparator studies from the eValuation of ERTugliflozin effIcacy and Safety (VERTIS) programme (Clinicaltrials.govNCT01999218 [VERTIS SU] and NCT02033889 [VERTIS MET]). In the VERTIS SU study, ertugliflozin was evaluated vs glimepiride over 104 weeks. In the VERTIS MET study, ertugliflozin was evaluated vs placebo over 26 weeks; eligible participants were switched from placebo to blinded glimepiride from week 26 to week 104. The glycaemic efficacy of ertugliflozin vs non-ertugliflozin was also assessed in the pooled population.MethodsPost hoc, exploratory analysis was used to investigate mean changes from baseline in eGFR and UACR over 104 weeks.ResultsOverall, mean (SD) baseline eGFR was 88.2 (18.8) ml min−1(1.73 m)−2and geometric mean (95% CI) of baseline UACR was 1.31 mg/mmol (1.23, 1.38). At week 6, the changes in eGFR from baseline were −2.3, −2.7 and −0.7 ml min−1(1.73 m)−2for the ertugliflozin 5 mg, ertugliflozin 15 mg and non-ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Mean eGFR in the ertugliflozin groups increased over time thereafter, while it decreased in the non-ertugliflozin group. Week 104 changes in eGFR from baseline were −0.2, 0.1 and −2.0 ml min−1(1.73 m)−2for the ertugliflozin 5 mg, ertugliflozin 15 mg and non-ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Among 415 patients (21.4% of the cohort) with albuminuria at baseline, the ertugliflozin groups had greater reductions in UACR at all measured time points up to week 104. At week 104, the non-ertugliflozin-corrected difference in UACR (95% CI) was −29.5% (−44.8, −9.8;p p 1c(mmol/mol [95% CI]) at week 104 were similar between treatment groups: −6.84 (−7.64, −6.03), −7.74 (−8.54, −6.94) and −6.84 (−7.65, −6.03) in the ertugliflozin 5 mg, ertugliflozin 15 mg and non-ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Least squares mean changes from baseline in HbA1c(% [95% CI]) at week 104 were: −0.63 (−0.70, −0.55), −0.71 (−0.78, −0.64) and −0.63 (−0.70, −0.55) in the ertugliflozin 5 mg, ertugliflozin 15 mg and non-ertugliflozin groups, respectively.Conclusions/interpretationErtugliflozin reduced eGFR at week 6, consistent with the known pharmacodynamic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal function. Over 104 weeks, eGFR values returned to baseline and were higher with ertugliflozin compared with non-ertugliflozin treatment, even though changes in HbA1cdid not differ between the groups. Ertugliflozin reduced UACR in patients with baseline albuminuria.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.govNCT01999218 and NCT02033889.

Using data from the ertugliflozin cardiovascular outcomes trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (VERTIS CV; NCT01986881), associations between the initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) "dip" with eGFR slope, glucosuria/natriuresis-related measures, and safety were investigated.Patients were categorized into tertiles based on change in eGFR at week 6:+1.00 mL/min/1.73 m2 (tertile 1),-5.99 and ≤+1.00 (tertile 2), and ≤-6.00 (tertile 3). eGFR slope after week 6 and week 18 was assessed by tertile. Glucosuria/natriuresis-related measures were also determined. Adverse events (AEs) were analyzed in the acute (baseline-week 6) and chronic periods (week 6-30 days after last dose of trial medication).In the ertugliflozin group, chronic eGFR slopes (95% CI, mL/min/1.73 m2/year; weeks 6-156) were -0.76 (-1.03, -0.50), -0.29 (-0.51, -0.07), and -0.05 (-0.26, 0.17) in tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p value0.001), and approximately -1.5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year across tertiles in the placebo group (p value = 0.79). At week 18, least squares mean (LSM) changes from baseline in glycated hemoglobin (%) were -0.77, -0.71, and -0.67 in tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in the ertugliflozin group; a similar tertile-associated trend was observed for uric acid. At week 18, LSM changes from baseline in hematocrit (%) were 2.07, 2.33, and 2.55 in tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively, in the ertugliflozin group; similar tertile-associated trends were observed for blood pressure. All pinteraction values were0.0001 for glucosuria- and natriuresis-related measures. Kidney-related AEs were reported more frequently in tertiles 3 and 2 in the chronic period for both placebo- and ertugliflozin-treated groups. In both periods and in all tertiles, incidences of AEs did not differ between placebo- and ertugliflozin-treated groups.With ertugliflozin, the tertile with the largest initial dip in eGFR had a slower rate of chronic eGFR decline. Initial eGFR changes were associated with changes in both glucosuria- and natriuresis-related measures.

This prespecified exploratory analyses from VERTIS CV (NCT01986881) aimed to assess the effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin on glucosuria-related (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c], uric acid, body weight) and natriuresis-related (blood pressure, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum albumin) biomarkers according to kidney function risk category.Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomized to placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg, or ertugliflozin 15 mg (1:1:1). Analyses compared placebo (n = 2747) versus ertugliflozin (pooled; n = 5499) on glucosuria- and natriuresis-related biomarkers according to baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) subgroup and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (KDIGO CKD) risk category.Patients were classified according to KDIGO CKD low- (49%), moderate- (32%) and high-/very-high-risk categories (19%), and eGFR groups 1 (25%), 2 (53%) and 3 (19%). At Week 18, the high-/very-high-risk category had a smaller placebo-subtracted least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline (95% confidence interval) in HbA1c (-0.34 [-0.43, -0.25]) compared with the low- and moderate-risk categories (-0.54 [-0.60, -0.49] and - 0.47 [-0.54, -0.40], respectively). This pattern was maintained throughout the study (PIn VERTIS CV, ertugliflozin was associated with physiologically favourable changes in glucosuria- and natriuresis-related biomarkers. Glycaemic efficacy of ertugliflozin was attenuated in patients with higher chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk. Effects on other biomarkers were consistent, regardless of CKD risk stage.

Objectives To evaluate if a simple method for characterizing vaginal bleeding patterns in etonogestrel contraceptive implant users can predict subsequent patterns and bleeding-related discontinuation over the first 2 years of use. Study Design We reanalyzed phase 3 study bleeding data for non-breastfeeding participants from the United States, Europe, Russia and Chile during the first 2 years of implant use to characterize and correlate bleeding patterns. We used 90-day reference periods with period 1.1 starting at Day 29 and ending at Day 118. We dichotomized bleeding patterns as “favorable” (amenorrhea, infrequent bleeding and normal frequency bleeding without prolonged bleeding) or “unfavorable’ (prolonged and/or frequent bleeding) and tracked user groups based on these bleeding patterns in reference period 1.1 through Year 1 and from Year 1 through Year 2, respectively. Results We evaluated data from 537 and 428 women with up to 1 and 2 years use, respectively. Of the 325 (60.5%) women with favorable bleeding in reference period 1.1, 275 (84.6%) reported favorable bleeding also in reference period 2, 197 (60.6%) reported favorable bleeding throughout Year 1, and favorable bleeding in 75–85% of reference periods in Year 2. Among 212 (39.5%) women with unfavorable bleeding in reference period 1.1, 118 (55.7%) continued with unfavorable bleeding in reference period 2, while about 40%–50% reported favorable patterns in RP 2, 3 and/or 4. Initial favorable bleeding resulted in lower discontinuation rates than initial unfavorable bleeding in years 1 (3.7% vs 12.7%, p≪.0001) and 2 (2.5% vs 16.5%, p≪.0001). Conclusion Implant users with favorable bleeding in the first reference period are likely to continue with favorable bleeding over the next 2 years. Initial bleeding patterns predict overall continuation rates in years 1 and 2. Implications Statement When evaluating vaginal bleeding in any 90-day reference period over 2 years of etonogestrel implant use, approximately 80% of women with favorable and 40% with unfavorable bleeding patterns will have favorable bleeding in the next reference periods. These findings can facilitate counseling regarding bleeding for women using the etonogestrel implant.

Background: This pooled analysis assessed the efficacy of ertugliflozin versus placebo as monotherapy or with other antihyperglycaemic agents across patient subgroups defined by demographic and disease characteristics. Methods: Data from three phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies (NCT01958671, NCT02033889 and NCT02036515) with similar designs and populations were pooled ( N = 1544). Results: At Week 26, placebo-adjusted least squares mean changes from baseline in glycated haemoglobin with ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg were −0.8% (95% confidence interval: −0.9, −0.7) and −0.9% (–1.0, −0.8), respectively. Reductions were consistent across subgroups. Placebo-adjusted least squares mean changes in body weight were −1.8 kg (−2.2, −1.4) for both ertugliflozin doses; for systolic blood pressure, these were −3.4 mmHg (−4.8, −2.0) and −3.5 mmHg (−4.9, −2.0) for ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg, respectively. Higher proportions of patients receiving ertugliflozin had glycated haemoglobin Conclusion: Ertugliflozin demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy or with other antihyperglycaemic agents in patients with different demographic and disease characteristics and was generally well tolerated.

VERTIS CV was a placebo-controlled cardiovascular (CV) outcome trial evaluating the SGLT2 inhibitor ertugliflozin. The aim of current analyses was to examine pre-specified CV and kidney outcomes by Cox proportional hazard assessment according to use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi), diuretics, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) at baseline. Among 8246 randomized patients, at baseline 6686 (81%) were treated with RAASi, 3542 (43%) with diuretics, including 1252 (15%) with loop diuretics, and 674 (8%) with MRA. No significant interactions were observed for cardiorenal outcomes by baseline use of RAASi or MRA (Pinteraction > 0.05 for all; FIGURE). Nominally significant interactions for first event of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and HHF/CV death were observed with baseline use of diuretics, including loop diuretics, with an increased benefit of ertugliflozin vs. placebo. In VERTIS CV, baseline use of diuretics, including loop diuretics, appeared to be associated with greater benefit of ertugliflozin on first HHF and HHF/CV death, with no modification of effect based on baseline use of RAASi or MRA. Disclosure D. Cherney: Other Relationship; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC., Lilly Diabetes, Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Maze Inc, Prometic, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. I. Gantz: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. R. Frederich: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc., Other Relationship; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Stock/Shareholder; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc. J. P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc., Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc., Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc., Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. U. Masiukiewicz: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. C. P. Cannon: Advisory Panel; Self; Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amarin Corporation plc, Corvidia Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Consultant; Self; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amgen Inc., Applied Therapeutics, Ascendis Pharma A/S, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, HLS Therapeutics Inc., Kowa Company, Ltd., Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Kowa Company, Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Pfizer Inc. F. Cosentino: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Pfizer Inc., Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Mundipharma International, Novo Nordisk. D. K. Mcguire: Consultant; Self; Applied Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., CSL Behring, Eli Lilly and Company, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi. B. Charbonnel: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Lilly Diabetes, Merck & Co., Inc., Mundipharma International, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. S. Dagogo-jack: Consultant; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi US, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Aerami Therapeutics, Jana Care Inc. R. E. Pratley: Other Relationship; Self; Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Metavention, Monster Energy Company, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Poxel SA, Sanofi, Scohia Pharma Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. W. J. Shih: None. M. Maldonado: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. A. Pong: None.

VERTIS CV was the cardiovascular (CV) outcome trial for the SGLT2 inhibitor ertugliflozin, conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and atherosclerotic CV disease. In the overall population, ertugliflozin was noninferior to placebo for major adverse CV events (MACE). Although superiority for the composite endpoint of CV death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and the renal composite (that included doubling of serum creatinine from BL) were not met, the prespecified secondary objective of HHF showed a 30% risk reduction and a prespecified exploratory renal composite (sustained ≥40% decrease in eGFR from BL, dialysis/transplantation, or renal death) showed improved kidney outcomes. This analysis assessed cardiorenal endpoints of VERTIS CV by BL GLA. Among 8246 patients in VERTIS CV, at BL 6292 (76%) used metformin, 3900 (47%) insulin, 3390 (41%) sulfonylureas (SU), and 911 (11%) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), alone or in combination therapy (67% used >1 GLA at BL). For each of the GLAs, metformin, insulin, SU, and DPP4i, no significant differences were observed for cardiorenal outcomes by BL use (yes, no) of the GLA (FIGURE; all interaction P values >0.05). Cardiorenal outcomes were generally similar across the BL GLA subgroups. In VERTIS CV, the effects of ertugliflozin on cardiorenal outcomes in patients with T2D were generally consistent regardless of BL GLA. Disclosure B. Charbonnel: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Lilly Diabetes, Merck & Co., Inc., Mundipharma International, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. I. Gantz: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. R. Frederich: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc., Other Relationship; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Stock/Shareholder; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc. J. P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc., Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc., Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc., Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. R. E. Pratley: Other Relationship; Self; Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Metavention, Monster Energy Company, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Poxel SA, Sanofi, Scohia Pharma Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. S. Dagogo-jack: Consultant; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi US, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Aerami Therapeutics, Jana Care Inc. C. P. Cannon: Advisory Panel; Self; Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amarin Corporation plc, Corvidia Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Consultant; Self; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amgen Inc., Applied Therapeutics, Ascendis Pharma A/S, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, HLS Therapeutics Inc., Kowa Company, Ltd., Research Support; Self; Amgen Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Kowa Company, Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Pfizer Inc. D. Cherney: Other Relationship; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC., Lilly Diabetes, Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Maze Inc, Prometic, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi. F. Cosentino: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Pfizer Inc., Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Mundipharma International, Novo Nordisk. D. K. Mcguire: Consultant; Self; Applied Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., CSL Behring, Eli Lilly and Company, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi. W. J. Shih: None. J. Liu: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. A. Pong: None. Funding Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp

AIM To identify potential predictors and mediators of changes in β-cell function in response to ertugliflozin treatment in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Data from patients with T2DM randomized to ertugliflozin (5 or 15 mg; observations from both doses were pooled) or placebo in four phase 3 clinical studies (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01958671, NCT02226003, NCT02036515, NCT02099110) were pooled and analysed. Change from baseline in β-cell function at week 26 was assessed, and its potential predictors and mediators were analysed using linear and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Compared with placebo, ertugliflozin improved β-cell function when assessed by mean percent change from baseline in homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-%β; ertugliflozin: 14.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.3, 17.1; placebo: -0.4%, 95% CI -3.4, 2.5], but not when assessed by change in C-peptide index following a mixed meal tolerance test. Change in HOMA-%β correlated with change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and treatment with ertugliflozin, and weakly with change from baseline in body weight. In the ertugliflozin group, change in HOMA-%β correlated with baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG; r = 0.235, P

To assess the efficacy and safety of once-weekly omarigliptin as monotherapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).People with T2DM not on glucose-lowering medications, or who were washed off monotherapy or low-dose dual therapy, were randomized double-blind to omarigliptin 25 mg (n=165) or matching omarigliptin placebo (n=164) for 24 weeks, followed by a 30-week period to assess continuing efficacy and safety longer-term of omarigliptin during which metformin was added to the placebo group and metformin placebo to the omarigliptin group.From a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.0-8.1%, the least squares mean (95% CI) change from baseline in HbA1c at week 24 (primary endpoint) was -0.49% (-0.73, -0.24) in the omarigliptin group and -0.10% (-0.34, 0.14) in the placebo group, for a between-group difference of -0.39% (-0.59, -0.19) (p.001). Protocol deviation in use of metformin by 38 of 252 (15%) people whose samples were available for evaluation probably attenuated glycemic efficacy results, as suggested by the LS mean difference -0.53% (-0.75, -0.32) after censoring of such participants. At 24 and 54 weeks, the incidences of adverse events (AEs) were similar in the omarigliptin and placebo groups. During 54 weeks there were no AEs of symptomatic hypoglycemia in the omarigliptin group and 5 AEs in the placebo group. Over 54 weeks, a majority of the omarigliptin treatment had a persistent reduction in HbA1c, remaining rescue-free.In people with T2DM, omarigliptin monotherapy improved glycemic control over 54 weeks and was generally well tolerated with a low risk of hypoglycemia. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01717313. EudraCT Number: 2012-003626-24.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of ertugliflozin in Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: Analysis of data from Hispanic/Latino patients who participated in randomized, double-blind phase III studies. Ertugliflozin efficacy was evaluated when initiated as a single agent (as monotherapy or add-on therapy) and when initiated in combination with sitagliptin. Least-squares mean change from baseline was calculated for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight (BW), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Safety evaluation included overall and prespecified adverse events (AEs). Results: Analyses included 1178 Hispanic/Latino patients. In a pooled analysis of three placebo-controlled studies where ertugliflozin was initiated as a single agent, the placebo-corrected change from baseline in HbA1c at week 26 for ertugliflozin 5 and 15 mg was −0.8 and −1.0%, respectively. In an active-comparator study, when initiated as a single agent, the change from baseline in HbA1c at week 52 was −0.5, −0.7, and −0.5% for ertugliflozin 5 mg, ertugliflozin 15 mg, and glimepiride, respectively. In a placebo-controlled study, when initiated in combination with sitagliptin, the placebo-corrected change from baseline in HbA1c at week 26 for ertugliflozin 5 mg/sitagliptin and ertugliflozin 15 mg/sitagliptin was –1.3 and –1.6%, respectively. In an active-comparator study, when initiated in combination with sitagliptin, the change from baseline in HbA1c at week 26 was –1.4, −1.6, and –0.9 for ertugliflozin 5 mg/sitagliptin, ertugliflozin 15 mg/sitagliptin, and sitagliptin alone, respectively. Reductions in BW and SBP were observed with ertugliflozin as a single agent or combined with sitagliptin. The incidences of overall and prespecified AEs in Hispanic/Latino patients were generally consistent with the known safety profile of ertugliflozin. Conclusion: Ertugliflozin, administered as a single agent or as a combination with sitagliptin, improved HbA1c, BW, and SBP. Ertugliflozin was generally well-tolerated in Hispanic/Latino patients with T2DM. Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT01986855, NCT01999218, NCT01958671, NCT02099110, NCT02036515, NCT02033889, and NCT02226003.

Additional file 1. List of Independent Ethics Committees (IECs).

MK-0431-P083, a 54-week phase III study of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin as initial oral therapy in patients 10-17 years of age with T2D was initiated in 2012 and completed enrollment in 2018. After informed consent was obtained, patient screening was initiated with a screening visit (V1), followed by a single-blind, placebo run-in (V2) for 1 week, after which they were randomized (V3, N = 201). The changes observed in select laboratory and anthropometric parameters in these 201 patients between V1 and V3 (~25 days), and adverse events (AEs) reported during the 1-week placebo run-in (V2 to V3), were summarized in a preliminary analysis. Results: (mean ± SD [95% confidence interval]) are presented below. Between V1 and V3 (25 ± 7 days, median 23 days), A1C decreased from 7.72 ± 1.02% to 7.49 ± 1.03%, a change (Δ) of -0.23 ± 0.67% [-0.32, -0.13], while FPG was unchanged. Changes were also observed in ALT (Δ: -2.55 ± 11.21 IU [-4.15, -0.95]) and AST (Δ: -1.93 ± 9.08 IU [-3.22, -0.63]). Weight and lipid parameters were unchanged. Between V2 and V3, 75 AEs were reported for 40 patients (~20% of the randomized patients). Of these AEs, 3 were assessed to be drug-related by the investigators: 2 AEs of nervousness and dyspepsia in 1 patient, and an AE of worsening gastroesophageal reflux in another. None of the 75 AEs were assessed to be severe, and none led to discontinuation from the study. These data suggest that changes may be observed in glycemic parameters during a screening period of Disclosure C.A. Rosario: None. M.Y. Jalaludin: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. Research Support; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk Inc. R. Garcia: None. R.S. Newfield: Research Support; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Eli Lilly and Company, University of California and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego. Y. Samoilova: None. N. Shehadeh: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi-Aventis. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. A. Pong: None. M. Zilli: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. C.K. Saha: Research Support; Self; Indiana University School of Medicine. S.S. Engel: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. P. Zeitler: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc. K.D. Kaufman: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. R. Shankar: Employee; Spouse/Partner; AstraZeneca. Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Employee; Spouse/Partner; NGM Biopharmaceuticals. Funding Merck & Co., Inc.

2 RCT evaluating ertugliflozin 5 mg (E5, n=652), 15 mg (E15, n=640) vs. non-ertugliflozin (NE, glimepiride or placebo, n=644) in T2D patients were pooled to evaluate effects on eGFR (MDRD) and albuminuria (UACR, geometric mean of % change from baseline). eGFR and UACR were analyzed by mixed model repeated measures with treatment, time, trial, baseline measures [A1C, SBP, eGFR/UACR] as covariates in overall population and by presence of UACR >30 mg/g. Baseline characteristics in the treatment groups were balanced. Overall, mean baseline eGFR was 88.2 ml/min/1.73m2 and geometric mean baseline UACR was 11.6 mg/g. At week 6, changes in eGFR were: -2.3, -2.7 and -0.7 ml/min/1.73m2, for the E5, E15 and NE groups, respectively. Mean eGFR with ertugliflozin increased over time, while it decreased in the NE group. The week 104 ΔeGFR [95% CI] compared to NE was 1.81 ([0.13, 3.49]; p=0.04) and 2.10 ml/min/1.73m2 ([0.42, 3.78]; p=0.01) for E5 and E15, respectively. In patients with baseline UACR > 30 mg/g (n=415) the ertugliflozin groups had greater UACR reductions. The week 104 ΔUACR [95% CI] compared to NE was -29.0% ([-47.0, -4.5]; p=0.02) for E5 and -32.7% ([-50.4, -8.6]; p=0.01) for E15. Ertugliflozin acutely reduced eGFR in an expected fashion, possibly based of known hemodynamic effects. Over 104 weeks, eGFR values were higher with ertugliflozin than control, suggestive of renal function preservation. Ertugliflozin reduced UACR in subjects with baseline albuminuria. Disclosure D. Cherney: Other Relationship; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Prometic Life Sciences Inc., Sanofi. H.L. Heerspink: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Fresenius Medical Care, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. R. Frederich: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc. M. Maldonado: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. A. Pong: None. Z. Xu: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. J. Liu: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. J.P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc. I. Gantz: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. S.G. Terra: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. Funding Pfizer Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc.

The efficacy/safety of sitagliptin (SITA) has been studied in global populations. This post hoc pooled analysis of 20 placebo (PBO)-controlled studies reports data collected specifically in East Asian populations (EAP). Results were summarized for overall EAP and subgroups defined by geography. Change from baseline in A1C was analyzed at week 12 using ANCOVA model with treatment, study, and baseline A1C terms. A1C values following initiation of rescue medication were excluded. Missing A1C values were imputed using LOCF method. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced across treatments (mean A1C 8.5%, age 55-56 years, BMI 25 kg/m2, FPG 177-179 mg/dL, duration T2D 7-8 years). After 12 weeks of SITA, all populations showed significant A1C reductions vs. PBO (Table) and the largest PBO-adjusted reduction was seen in the Japan subgroup. PBO treatment was associated with reductions in A1C in China Mainland (CM), but with increases in Japan. The percentages of SITA-treated pts with A1C Disclosure J.M. Conceicao: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. C.D. Gonzalez: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. S.S. Engel: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. J. Ahn: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. S. Tokita: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Y. Zhang: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. R. Zhang: Employee; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. R.L. Lam: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. A. Pong: None. Funding Merck & Co., Inc.

Ertugliflozin (ERTU), a SGLT2 inhibitor, improves glycemic control in adults with T2DM. T2DM is prevalent among adults of Hispanic ethnicity in the U.S. Here we report a post hoc analysis of ERTU efficacy and safety in Hispanic/Latino pts in the ERTU Phase 3 program. A1C, body weight (BW), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were evaluated with ERTU 5 and 15 mg (vs. placebo [PBO] or glimepiride [GLIM]) and ERTU with sitagliptin 100 mg (ERTU 5 or 15 mg/SITA vs. PBO or SITA). Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Among 4855 pts, baseline characteristics were generally similar across treatment groups and between the group of pts self-reported as Hispanic/Latino (n=1178, 24.3%) and the non-Hispanic/Latino group. No meaningful differences were observed between these ethnic groups in A1C reductions with ERTU 5 and 15 mg at week 26 in a pooled analysis of PBO-controlled studies, at week 52 in a GLIM-controlled study, or with ERTU 5 mg/SITA and ERTU 15 mg/SITA groups at week 26 in PBO- and SITA-controlled studies (Figure). Similarly, no meaningful differences between ethnic groups were observed in BW and SBP reductions with ERTU 5 and 15 mg across the program. ERTU was generally well tolerated. The incidence of AEs was similar between ethnic groups. ERTU efficacy and safety were similar between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino groups. NCTs: 01958671, 02033889, 02036515, 01999218, 02226003, 02099110, 01986855. Disclosure J. Liu: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. L. Tarasenko: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. M.C. Ellison: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. A. Pong: None. S. Huyck: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. J.P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc. S.G. Terra: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. I. Gantz: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. Funding Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp; Pfizer Inc.

BackgroundThe efficacy of ertugliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, for glycemic and blood pressure (BP) control has been demonstrated in phase 3 studies. To further evaluate the effects of ertugliflozin on BP and other hemodynamic parameters, an analysis was conducted on the pooled patient populations from these studies.MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of data from three phase 3 studies (NCT01958671, NCT02033889, and NCT02036515) of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg, or ertugliflozin 15 mg. Outcomes at 26 weeks were analyzed for the pooled population and according to relevant baseline factors, including BP.ResultsOf the 1544 patients included (placebo, n = 515; ertugliflozin 5 mg, n = 519; ertugliflozin 15 mg, n = 510), most (67.4–69.0%) had hypertension at baseline. Mean baseline BP was similar across treatment groups (placebo, 129.7/78.0 mmHg; ertugliflozin 5 mg, 131.0/78.4 mmHg; ertugliflozin 15 mg, 130.5/78.4 mmHg). At Week 26, placebo-adjusted least squares (LS) mean changes (95% confidence intervals [CI]) from baseline in systolic BP (SBP) were − 3.7 mmHg (− 5.1, − 2.3) for both ertugliflozin doses. Reductions were consistent across all baseline subgroups. At Week 26, more patients with a baseline SBP ≥ 130 mmHg had a SBP ConclusionErtugliflozin treatment led to reductions in SBP, DBP, and pulse rate relative to placebo. Reductions in SBP were generally consistent across the subgroups evaluated.Trial registrationNCT01958671; NCT02033889; NCT02036515

Supplemental material, 453_Supplementary_Fig1 for Efficacy of ertugliflozin in monotherapy or combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A pooled analysis of placebo-controlled studies by Jie Liu, Lisa Tarasenko, Steven G Terra, Susan Huyck, Larry Wu, Annpey Pong, Roberto A Calle, Silvina Gallo, Amanda Darekar and James P Mancuso in Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research

Additional file 1. List of MedDRA preferred terms for diabetic microvascular complications

Ertugliflozin (ERTU) is a highly selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor in development for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pooled analysis characterized the efficacy and safety of ERTU when used as add-on therapy to metformin (MET). Pooled data from 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies with similar design and patient population (NCT02033889 [VERTIS MET], NCT02036515 [VERTIS SITA2]) were analyzed. Adult patients with T2DM inadequately controlled on MET (± sitagliptin) with A1C ≥7.0 to ≤10.5% were randomized to placebo (PBO), ERTU 5 mg or 15 mg for 26 weeks. Mean baseline (BL) characteristics of patients (N=1083) were similar across pooled treatment groups (age 57.7 years; T2DM duration 8.6 years; A1C 8.1%; body weight [BW] 85.7 kg; systolic blood pressure [SBP] 130.6 mmHg; estimated glomerular filtration rate 89.4 mL/min/1.73 m2). Changes in A1C, BW and SBP after 26 weeks are shown in the Table. Relative to PBO, more patients receiving ERTU had A1C Addition of ERTU to MET (± sitagliptin) provides reductions in A1C, BW and SBP, resulting in more patients achieving metabolic treatment goals.Table. Changes from baseline in A1C, BW and SBP at Week 26Placebo (n=362)Ertugliflozin 5 mg (n=363)Ertugliflozin 15 mg (n=358)Least squares mean change from baseline in A1C at Week 26 (95% CI), % Placebo-adjusted difference–0.1 (–0.2, 0.0) ––0.8 (–0.8, –0.7) –0.7 (–0.8, –0.6)–0.9 (–1.0, –0.8) –0.8 (–1.0, –0.7)Patients with A1C Disclosure R.A. Calle: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc.. J. Liu: None. S. Huyck: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. L. Wu: None. A. Pong: None. J.P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc.. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc.. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc.. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. S. Terra: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. B. Lauring: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc..

Ertugliflozin (ERTU) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for the treatment of T2DM. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicates ERTU plasma exposure is not affected by race. The efficacy and safety of ERTU by race was assessed in pooled analyses from 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled, Phase 3 trials. Patients received ERTU 5 mg, 15 mg or PBO for 26 weeks. Least-squares (LS) means for change from baseline to Week 26 were calculated for hemoglobin A1C (A1C), body weight (BW) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). General and prespecified adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. The analysis included 1544 patients (white 73%; black 7%; asian 15%; other 5%). Baseline demographics and characteristics were generally similar across treatment groups and racial groups, except lower mean BW and BMI in Asians. No notable differences in A1C, BW and SBP reductions were observed across racial groups (Table 1), except for a greater SBP reduction observed in Blacks. Across racial groups there were no notable differences in general AEs with ERTU vs. PBO. An increase in genital mycotic infections was seen with ERTU vs. PBO across all racial groups. Precision of between-treatment effects was limited in Blacks, Asians and Others due to small group size. ERTU efficacy and safety was generally similar across racial groups although a greater reduction in SBP was observed in Blacks.Table 1. Least-squares Mean Change (Placebo-corrected) in A1C, Body Weight and SBP from Baseline to Week 26 by Racial Group (Excluding Rescue Approach)RaceErtugliflozin Dose (N)*δA1C (%) LS mean (95% CI)δBody Weight (kg) LS mean (95% CI)δSBP (mmHg) LS mean (95% CI)Overall5 mg (519)-0.8 (-0.9, -0.7)-1.8 (-2.2, -1.4)-3.4 (-4.8, -2.0)15 mg (510)-0.9 (-1.0, -0.8)-1.8 (-2.2, -1.4)-3.5 (-4.9, -2.0)White5 mg (382)-0.8 (-1.0, -0.7)-1.9 (-2.3, -1.4)-3.3 (-4.9, -1.6)15 mg (374)-1.0 (-1.1, -0.8)-1.7 (-2.2, -1.2)-3.5 (-5.1, -1.8)Black5 mg (34)-0.7 (-1.2, -0.2)-1.1 (-2.8, 0.6)-9.5 (-16.0, -2.9)15 mg (37)-0.8 (-1.3, -0.3)-2.2 (-3.9, -0.6)-8.1 (-14.6, -1.7)Asian5 mg ( 77)-0.8 (-1.1, -0.5)-1.9 (-2.6, -1.1)-1.8 (-5.3, 1.8)15 mg (77)-1.0 (-1.3, -0.8)-2.1 (-2.8, -1.4)-1.9 (-5.4, 1.7)Other5 mg (26)-0.3 (-0.9, 0.3)-1.7 (-3.2, -0.2)-3.5 (-11.3, 4.4)15 mg (22)-0.9 (-1.5, -0.3)-1.5 (-3.0, 0.1)-4.4 (-12.8, 3.9)CI, confidence interval; LS, Least Squares *N is the number of randomized patients who took at least one dose of study medication. The LS Means for Change from Baseline to Week 26 were estimated from a constrained longitudinal data analysis model. Disclosure J. Liu: None. L. Tarasenko: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc.. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc.. A. Pong: None. S. Huyck: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. L. Wu: None. J.P. Mancuso: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc.. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Pfizer Inc.. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc.. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Pfizer Inc. S. Terra: Employee; Self; Pfizer Inc. B. Lauring: Employee; Self; Merck & Co., Inc..

Background: This was a subgroup analysis of age group, dexamethasone use, and very highly emetogenic chemotherapy (VHEC) use from a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, Phase 3 study of oral aprepitant in paediatric subjects. Methods: Subjects aged 6 months to 17 years scheduled to receive chemotherapeutic agents associated with at least moderate risk for emesis were randomly assigned to receive either aprepitant plus ondansetron (aprepitant regimen) or placebo plus ondansetron (control regimen); both could be administered with or without dexamethasone. This secondary analysis evaluated subjects stratified by pre-specified age groups, dexamethasone use, and VHEC use. The primary endpoint of this analysis was the proportion of subjects who experienced complete response (CR) during the delayed phase. Results: CR rates in the delayed phase were numerically higher with the aprepitant than the control regimen across all age categories, and reached significance for subjects aged 12–17 years (51% vs. 10%; P

Overview of Adaptive Design Methods in Clinical Trials, Annpey Pong and Shein-Chung Chow Fundamental Theory of Adaptive Designs with Unplanned Design Change in Clinical Trials with Blinded Data, Qing Liu and George Y.H. Chi Bayesian Approach for Adaptive Design, Guosheng Yin and Ying Yuan The Impact of Protocol Amendments in Adaptive Trial Designs, Shein-Chung Chow and Annpey Pong From Group Sequential to Adaptive Designs, Christopher Jennison and Bruce W. Turnbull Determining Sample Size for Classical Designs, Simon Kirby and Christy Chuang-Stein Sample Size Reestimation Design with Applications in Clinical Trials, Lu Cui and Xiaoru Wu Adaptive Interim Analyses in Clinical Trials, Gernot Wassmer Classical Dose-Finding Trial, Naitee Ting Improving Dose-Finding: A Philosophic View, Carl-Fredrik Burman, Frank Miller, and Kiat Wee Wong Adaptive Dose-Ranging Studies, Marc Vandemeulebroecke, Frank Bretz, Jose Pinheiro, and Bjorn Bornkamp Seamless Phase I/II Designs, Vladimir Dragalin Phase II/III Seamless Designs, Jeff Maca Sample Size Estimation/Allocation for Two-Stage Seamless Adaptive Trial Designs, Shein-Chung Chow and Annpey Pong Optimal Response-Adaptive Randomization for Clinical Trials, Lanju Zhang and William Rosenberger Hypothesis-Adaptive Design, Gerhard Hommel Treatment Adaptive Allocations in Randomized Clinical Trials: An Overview, Atanu Biswas and Rahul Bhattacharya Integration of Predictive Biomarker Diagnostics into Clinical Trials for New Drug Development, Richard Simon Clinical Strategy for Study Endpoint Selection, Siu Keung Tse, Shein-Chung Chow, and Qingshu Lu Adaptive Infrastructure, Bill Byrom, Damian McEntegart, and Graham Nicholls Independent Data Monitoring Committees, Steven Snapinn and Qi Jiang Targeted Clinical Trials, Jen-Pei Liu Functional Genome-Wide Association Studies of Longitudinal Traits, Jiangtao Luo, Arthur Berg, Kwangmi Ahn, Kiranmoy Das, Jiahan Li, Zhong Wang, Yao Li, and Rongling Wu Adaptive Trial Simulation, Mark Chang Efficiency of Adaptive Designs, Nigel Stallard and Tim Friede Cases Studies in Adaptive Design, Ning Li, Yonghong Gao, and Shiowjen Lee Good Practices for Adaptive Clinical Trials, Paul Gallo Index

Ertugliflozin (ERTU), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, reduced glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and blood pressure (BP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in individual Phase 3 studies. This pooled analysis assessed effect on BP in a broader population and subgroups. A

In recent years, the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of patients with critical and life-threatening diseases has attracted much attention in the pharmaceutical industry. The modernization of TCM is based on a scientific evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the TCM in terms of some well-established quantitative instruments. As a result, statistical validation of such an instrument is essential to have an accurate and reliable clinical assessment of the performance of the TCM. Similar to the validation of a typical quality of life instrument, some validation performance characteristics such as validity, reliability, and ruggedness are considered. In this article, a design for validation of a standard quantitative instrument that is commonly employed for diagnosis of a patient’s functions and activities, performance, signs and symptoms of disease, and disease status and severity based on Chinese diagnostic practice is proposed. Methods for statistical validation of the standard instrument are derived. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed methods for validation of Chinese diagnostic procedures.

In recent years, the use of adaptive design methods in clinical research and development based on accrued data has become very popular due to its flexibility and efficiency. Based on adaptations applied, adaptive designs can be classified into three categories: prospective, concurrent, and retrospective adaptive designs. An adaptive design is flexible in modifying trial and/or statistical procedures of on-going clinical trials. However, it is a concern that the actual patient population after the adaptations could deviate from the originally target patient population. Major adaptations of trial and/or statistical procedures of on-going trials may result in a totally different trial that is unable to address the scientific/medical questions the trial intends to answer. In this entry, a formal definition of an adaptive design by PhRMA is given. Depending upon the adaptations applied, several commonly considered adaptive designs in clinical development are introduced. Regulatory and statistical perspectives are provided. Basic considerations and major obstacles and challenges when implementing an adaptive design in clinical trials are also discussed.

In recentyears, the Westernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted much attention in pharmaceutical research and development. One of the key issues in Westernization of TCM is how to conduct a scientifically valid clinical trial to evaluate safety and effectiveness of the TCM under investigation. A typical approach is to conduct a clinical trial the Western way by ignoring the fact that there are fundamental differences between a TCM and a West-em medicine intended for the same indication. These fundamental differences include (1) medical theory/mechanism and practice (ie, the concept of global dynamic balance/harmony among organs of the body versus local site of action); (2) techniques for diagnosis (ie, subjective diagnosis of inspection, auscultation and olfaction, interrogation, pulse taking and palpation versus objectively clinical evaluation); and (3) treatment (ie, personalized flexible dose of multiple components versus fixed dose). In this article, some practical issues, including validation of a quantitative instrument, the use of matching placebo, and sample size calculation when conducting a TCM clinical trial are discussed. We also discuss strategy for statistical quality control (QC) for raw materials, in-process materials or final product in terms of testing for consistency, stability analysis for estimation of drug expiration dating period, and regulatory requirements for future TCM research and development.

The sensation of pain arises from both central and peripheral sites, and inflammation may be one of its underlying causes. Combination therapy with analgesic agents having multimodal mechanisms of action and complementary pharmacokinetic properties enhances pain relief by addressing the different pathways of pain while limiting individual drug doses and, therefore, the potential for adverse effects caused by any single agent. Oxycodone and ibuprofen each have been used effectively as monotherapy and in other combinations for the treatment of acute pain; a fixed combination of these analgesics may improve pain relief in the setting of abdominal or pelvic surgery, where trauma and any resultant inflammation may be present at the same time.This study evaluated and compared the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of a single-dose combination tablet containing oxycodone 5 mg/ibuprofen 400 mg with either agent alone and with placebo in women who had undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery.In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind,placebo- and active-controlled, parallel-group trial, women experiencing moderate to severe pain between 14 and 48 hours after surgery were randomized per protocol to receive a single dose of study medication in a 3:3:1:1 ratio (combination oxycodone/ibuprofen, ibuprofen, oxycodone, and placebo, in that order). Over a 6-hour study period, patients recorded their assessments of pain intensity (100-mm visual analog scale and 4-point scale), relief from starting pain, and overall evaluation of study drug based on prespecified definitions and rating scales. Based on these data, the following primary efficacy end points were determined: total pain relief 6 hours after dosing (TOTPAR6) and sum of pain intensity differences 6 hours after dosing (SPID6). Other end points included the time to onset of pain relief, time to use of rescue medication, and patient's global rating of analgesic effectiveness. Tolerability was evaluated on the basis of observed and patient-reported adverse events and findings on physical examination.Four hundred fifty-six women participated in the study. They were primarily white and had a mean age of 41.6 years and a mean body weight of 171.5 pounds. Combination treatment was associated with significantly better TOTPAR6 and SPID6 scores compared with ibuprofen alone (P0.02 and P0.015, respectively), oxycodone alone (P0.009 and P0.001), or placebo (both, P0.001). Fewer patients receiving combination treatment required rescue medication, and the time to use of rescue medication was significantly longer in the combination-treatment group compared with the other groups (P0.05). Patients' global ratings of analgesic efficacy were significantly higher in the combination-treatment group compared with all other groups (P0.044 vs ibuprofen alone; P0.001 vs oxycodone alone and placebo). The onset of pain relief occurred within 15 minutes of dosing with all 4 regimens. Nausea was the most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse event in all 4 groups. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was highest with placebo (55.0%), followed by oxycodone alone (44.2%), ibuprofen alone (42.3%), and combination treatment (40.8%).In this population of women who had undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery, the combination of oxycodone 5 mg/ibuprofen 400 mg was significantly more effective than either agent alone or placebo in the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain.

Stability data are often collected to determine the shelf life of certain characteristics of a pharmaceutical product, for example, a drug's potency over time. Statistical approaches such as the linear regression models are considered as appropriate to analyze the stability data. However, most of these regression models in both theory and practice rely heavily on their underlying parametric assumptions, such as normality of the continuous characteristics or their transformations. In this article, we propose and study some rank-based regression procedures for the stability data when the linear regression models are semiparametric with unspecified error structure. Numerical studies including Monte Carlo simulations and practical example are demonstrated with the proposed procedures as well.

e21685 Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a distressing symptom of cancer treatment; in lung cancer, carboplatin is commonly used. In a post hoc analysis, we explored prevention of CINV in lung cancer patients with a single-day triple-antiemetic fosaprepitant (FA) regimen compared with a standard 3-day control regimen. Methods: This was a phase 3, global, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in adults scheduled to receive an intravenous (IV) dose of ≥1 moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) on treatment day 1 (NCT01594749). Subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 to a control or FA regimen. The control regimen consisted of 8 mg oral ondansetron, 20 mg dexamethasone, and IV saline as placebo before the first dose of MEC on day 1, and 8 mg oral ondansetron 8 hours after the first dose and every 12 hours on days 2 and 3. The FA regimen consisted of the same dose of oral ondansetron on day 1, along with 12 mg dexamethasone and a single dose of 150 mg IV FA before the first dose of MEC on day 1, with no additional prophylactic antiemetic beyond day 1. The primary end point was complete response (CR; no vomiting or rescue medication) in the delayed phase (25-120 hours). Results: Overall, 1000 subjects were included in the intention-to-treat population (FA: n = 502; control: n = 498). The primary end point was met ( P < 0.001; FA vs control). In a subset of 254 subjects with lung cancer (71% male), 129 in FA regimen and 125 in control regimen, most (98%) received carboplatin-based chemotherapy. CR in the delayed phase was achieved by 80.6% in the FA group and 74.4% in the control group (difference, 6.2%). More subjects had no vomiting episodes in the FA (85.3%) vs control (78.4%) groups within the delayed phase (difference, 6.9%), and overall time-to-first vomiting episode was longer for subjects in the FA group. Adverse events (AEs) were similar between groups: overall AEs occurred in 57.7% and 54.8%, and serious AEs occurred in 12.3% and 12.1% in the FA and control groups, respectively. No serious AEs were considered related to study medication. Conclusions: A single-day IV FA regimen is effective for preventing CINV in patients with lung cancer receiving carboplatin. Clinical trial information: NCT01594749.

In the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for stability testing of new drug products, both bracketing and matrixing designs were suggested as the statistical designs. More recently, they have increasing attention from pharmaceutical companies, because both designs reduce the cost of stability studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate both designs in terms of the power of detection of significant difference between slopes, and use the mean square error to evaluate the precision of estimated drug shelf life. Additionally, the distributions of both designs are compared by using 1000 simulations.

This paper provides a brief history and an overview of the regulatory process for drug approval in the United States through illustrations of Investigational New Drug (INDs) Applications and New Drug Applications (NDAs). For INDs, the regulatory requirements for a well-designed protocol, the role and responsibility of institutional review boards, and the applicability of treatment INDs are discussed. For NDAs, issues regarding the application of expanded access, the submission of abbreviated NDAs for a generic drug, the submission of supplemental NDAs for labeling changes, and the role and responsibility of advisory committees are addressed.

In recent years, the concept of quality by design in (global) pharmaceutical development has received much attention. The purpose is to ensure that the compound under investigation will possess good drug characteristics such as identity, strength, purity, quality, safety, efficacy and stability before and post approval. A pharmaceutical development process consists of non-clinical (e.g., assay/process validation and stability testing), pre-clinical (e.g., animal and bioavailability/bioequivalence studies), and clinical (e.g., phases 1-3 clinical trials) development. In this article, various statistical designs that are commonly considered for achieving desired good drug characteristics as described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP/NF) at various stages of non-clinical, pre-clinical, and clinical development are reviewed. In addition, the possible use of innovative adaptive clinical trial designs that may lead to (i) the identification of any signals, trends/patterns, and optimal clinical benefits of a test treatment under investigation, and (ii) increase the probability of success of the development process with limited resources available are discussed.

For approval of a drug product, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that substantial evidence of the effectiveness and safety of the drug product be provided through the conduct of two adequate, well-controlled clinical trials. To assist the sponsors in preparation of final clinical reports for regulatory submission and review, the FDA and other regulatory agencies and conferences such as the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) have developed guidelines for the format and content of a clinical report. The FDA and ICH guidelines require that the following statistical issues be addressed in the final clinical report: I. Baseline comparability, 2. Adjustments for covariates, 3. Dropouts or missing values, 4. Interim analyses and data monitoring, 5. Multicenter studies, 6. Multiplicity, 7. Intention-to-treat subset versus efficacy subset, 8. Active control trials, and 9. Subgroup analyses. This paper provides an overview of these statistical issues. In addition, statistical justification for these issues is also addressed.