Roche discloses the results of first Phase III clinical study using Taspoglutide

Ipsen (Paris:IPN), an innovation-driven global specialty pharmaceutical group, today announced that its partner Roche has disclosed the results of a first phase III clinical study using Taspoglutide, the first human once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue originating from Ipsen’s Research. Results from Roche’s Phase III study T-EMERGE 2 met its primary endpoint of change in HbA1c (subcutaneous weekly taspoglutide versus subcutaneous twice-daily exenatide, as add-on to metformin, a thiazolidinedione [TZD], or metformin and a TZD). A superiority versus exenatide was demonstrated.

This compound is similar to the natural hormone GLP-1 which has a key role in blood sugar regulation. GLP-1 analogues, which stimulate insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion, are true innovations in the diabetes field.

The results showed that taspoglutide demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction versus exenatide following 24 weeks of treatment. The study analysis included 1,189 patients, equally randomized into three active arms (taspoglutide 10 mg once weekly, taspoglutide 10 mg once weekly titrated up to 20 mg once weekly after 4 weeks, and exenatide 10 mcg twice daily). Taspoglutide was generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse events among taspoglutide and exenatide treated patients were nausea and vomiting.

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