Role of Novel Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Analogue Polyethylene Glycol Loxenatide in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Polyethylene glycol loxenatide (peg-loxenatide) is a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist developed and available for clinical use in China. This meta-analysis was performed as no meta-analysis has analysed the efficacy and safety of peg-loxenatide in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: Electronic databases were systematically reviewed for RCTs having patients living with T2DM receiving peg-loxenatide in treatment arm and placebo/any other diabetes medicine in control arm. The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in glycated haemoglobin. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in weight, blood pressure, fasting glucose, prandial glucose, lipids, and adverse events.

Results: Data from four trials (718 patients) were analysed. Over 12-24 weeks of clinical use, HbA1c was significantly lower in patients receiving standard-dose peg-loxenatide (100 mcg/week) {MD -0.95% [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.19 to -0.71]; < 0.01; I = 76%} and high-dose peg-loxenatide (200 mcg/week) [MD -1.15% (95% CI: -1.47 to -0.82); < 0.01; I = 90%], as compared to placebo. Standard-dose peg-loxenatide was not associated with increased occurrence of nausea [RR 2.87 (95% CI: 0.56 to 14.72); = 0.21; I = 10%], vomiting [RR 4.73 (95% CI: 0.53 to 41.88); = 0.16; I = 0%], and anorexia [RR 0.78 (95% CI: 0.18 to 3.28); = 0.73; I = 0%]. Occurrence of nausea [RR 16.85 (95% CI: 3.89 to 72.92); < 0.01; I = 10%], vomiting [RR 15.90 (95% CI: 2.99 to 84.55); < 0.01; I = 0%], and anorexia [RR 3.85 (95% CI: 1.24 to 11.88); = 0.02; I = 0%] was significantly higher with high-dose peg-loxenatide, as compared to placebo.

Conclusion: Peg-loxenatide (100 mcg/week) is the most appropriate dose for clinical use as it is associated with good glycaemic efficacy with minimal gastro-intestinal side effects.