Frank Lavernia, MD, Talks About the Reduced Risk of MACE With GLP-1 RAs

Despite the efforts to increase the affordability for GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs), cost-effectiveness is still a barrier for many patients living with diabetes looking for effective therapies. However, according to Frank Lavernia, MD, Founder and Director of North Broward Diabetes Clinic, “the pluses far outweigh the monetary barrier”.

“We have to push-on with the insurance companies for the prior authorization,” he continued. “It’s very important to our patients, especially the ones that have known atherosclerotic vascular disease, because [GLP-1 RAs] really make an impact.”

Clinical trials have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits connected with GLP-1 RAs and how there are less major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with these therapies. Lavernia acknowledged that the reduced risk of stroke associated with GLP-1 RAs, compared with alternative therapies, is taken into consideration especially with those who have other comorbidities like hypertension.

Lavernia elaborated on the role of GLP-1 RAs in his presentation “Where Are We Now? The Integral Role of GLP-1 RAs in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” at Pri-Med Midwest 2022.

There’s always improvement happening in cardiometabolic health, according to Lavernia. In addition to GLP-RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors also yield effective outcomes for these patients. And now, physicians are combining the 2 therapies to lower weight and blood pressure.

“Right now we have a dual incretin agonist and very soon, they're already doing some phase 2 studies on triple agonists,” Lavernia said. “It might be a year or 2, but it's also exciting news.”

“There's always improvement.”