Lixisenatide: A New Option for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To evaluate the clinical role of Adlyxin (lixisenatide) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search of the English language indexed from January 2013 to April 2017 was conducted using the search terms lixisenatide, safety, and efficacy. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies including human subjects were utilized to assess the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide. Data Synthesis: Lixisenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that increases glucose-dependent insulin release, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. Clinical trials demonstrate that lixisenatide is an effective add-on pharmacotherapy option to achieve goal HbA1c levels. For example, in the Get Goal-Duo 1 study, HbA1c decreased to 7.0% in the lixisenatide group versus 7.3% in the placebo group (least square mean difference of −0.3%, P < .0001). Furthermore, lixisenatide was shown to be superior to liraglutide in reducing postbreakfast glucose levels. Conclusions: Clinical studies have demonstrated that lixisenatide is a safe and effective treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, it may be a safer and equally effective option to rapid-acting insulin.