Rogelio Braceras, MD: Improving Costs, Comorbidities in T2D

Following the positive news of the post-hoc EMPA-REG OUTCOME analyses this week, Boehringer Ingelheim has new avenues of research to pursue for empagliflozin (Jardiance).

In assessing for renal outcomes in patients with established cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes versus placebo, researchers found that the therapy consistently reduces new or worsening kidney disease, irrespective of patient control of blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or glycated hemoglobin levels.

Empagliflozin also reported consistent reductions in patient risk of cardiovascular death compared to those administered placebo in post-hoc analysis, as well as reduced risk of hospitalization from heart failure.

In discussing this supplemental data with MD Mag at the 2018 American Diabetes Association (ADA) 78th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL, Rogelio Braceras, MD, therapeutic area head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs (Metabolism) for Boehringer Ingelheim, detailed the company's partnership with Eli Lilly and Company to conduct, plan, or complete clinical trial programs involving nearly 20,000 patients to understand the potential of empagliflozin in unmet treatment needs — from type 1 diabetes, to CVD, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

MD Mag: How important is it to develop therapies that affect patient cost burdens for type 2 diabetes comorbidities?

There's a big financial burden when it comes to hospitalization for heart failure. It's a medical burden, because once you are hospitalized for heart failure, you have a higher risk to be hospitalized again. But also, unfortunately, it's a big financial burden as well.

Preventing or reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure is very important.

What's next for the company's work in clinical diabetes development?

As I indicated before, the most important thing is that we're committed to tackling unmet needs. Chronic kidney disease and heart failure are 2 unmet needs that are really high-priority, and we saw initial great signs through EMPA-REG OUTCOME.

So now we're moving forward with these programs we have announced. We're going forward with these programs globally — in the next 7 years, we'll hopefully get the data. We're really excited, because helping patients and saving lives is our biggest priority.

Click here to sign up for more MD Magazine content and updates.

Related Coverage >>>

Empagliflozin Reduces Renal Risks, Heart Failure Hospitalization in T2D Patients

Alirocumab Plus Statin Lowers Cardiac Event Risk for Patients with Diabetes, ACS

Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide Improves Add-on T2D Therapy in DUAL IX Trial