Lixisenatide - A New Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

Optimal glycaemic control is essential to managing risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, glycaemic control remains poor among type 2 diabetes patients, particularly the control of post-prandial glucose (PPG). Almost half of patients treated with basal insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs) do not achieve their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) goals, despite achieving fasting plasma glucose (FPG) control. Glycaemic control targets have emphasised FPG targets, but PPG contributes significantly to overall glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have shown substantial efficacy in improving overall glycaemic control but have differing effects on PPG, which is a result of their different mechanisms of action. Lixisenatide is unique among existing GLP-1 receptor agonists in that it is short acting but given as a once daily dose, and exerts its main effects during the prandial period. It has demonstrated efficacy in an extensive clinical trial programme. In particular, it has shown a beneficial effect on PPG compared with existing GLP-1 receptor agonists, probably a result of its effect on slowing gastric emptying. This has provided a strong rationale for its use as add-on therapy to long-acting basal insulin analogues, in cases where the latter is not providing adequate glycaemic control. The additive effects on glycaemic control may lead to a new treatment approach to manage blood glucose and prevent long-term complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.