The sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor bexagliflozin (Theracos) met the efficacy and safety objectives in the phase 3 Bexagliflozin Efficacy and Safety Trial (BEST) cardiovascular outcomes trial. The trial was conducted on a population in which a high proportion of patients were with established cardiovascular disease (some even with a history of heart failure) and high risk category patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high cardiovascular risk.

      The authors summarized their findings as Bexagliflozin was well tolerated and it improved A1c, systolic blood pressure, and weight compared with placebo. In addition to lowering of A1c, SBP and weight, noninferiority was demonstrated for MACE+ (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unstable angina). According to Vanita R. Aroda, a site investigator for the trial, the findings are found to be consistent with those of the other SGLT2 inhibitor class including modest glucose lowering with blood pressure and weight loss, and a consistent safety profile with increase in genital mycotic infection.

      McMurray, another investigator of the BEST trial team reported that BEST provides more evidence about the metabolic efficacy and overall safety of this remarkable new class of drugs [SGLT2 inhibitors] for patients with type 2 diabetes.

      The top findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association 80th Scientific sessions.