LixiLan-O Phase III clinical trial meets primary endpoint in patients with type 2 diabetes

Sanofi announced today that the LixiLan-O Phase III clinical trial met its primary objective in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin. The fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide, a GLP-1 RA, demonstrated statistically superior reduction in HbA1c (average blood glucose over the previous three months) compared with lixisenatide and compared with insulin glargine 100 units/mL. Overall, the fixed-ratio combination had a safety profile reflecting those of lixisenatide and insulin glargine 100 units/mL.

"Meeting the primary objective of this important Phase III study highlights the potential clinical value of this investigational therapeutic option," said Dr. Elias Zerhouni, President, Global R&D at Sanofi. "We look forward to advancing the LixiLan program and bringing this combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide to patients."

The Phase III LixiLan clinical development program began in Q1 2014 and consists of the LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L trials. LixiLan-O investigated the efficacy and safety of a once-daily single injection of the fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide versus treatment with either lixisenatide or insulin glargine 100 units/mL over a 30 week period in 1,170 patients whose type 2 diabetes was not adequately controlled on metformin alone or on metformin combined with a second oral anti-diabetic agent. Treatment with metformin was continued for all participants throughout the study. Full results will be communicated in an appropriate scientific forum.

The ongoing LixiLan-L study investigates the efficacy and safety of a once-daily single injection of the fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide versus treatment with insulin glargine 100 units/mL over a 30-week period in 736 patients whose type 2 diabetes was not adequately controlled at screening on a basal insulin with or without oral anti-diabetic drugs. Only metformin, if taken, was continued throughout the study. The study will be completed in Q3 2015.

Following an analysis of results from both Phase III studies, LixiLan-O and LixiLan-L, Sanofi will determine the next steps in the regulatory process. Currently, regulatory submissions are planned for Q4 2015 in the United States and Q1 2016 in the European Union.