FDA-Approved Diabetes Drug May Prevent Heart Attacks, Strokes: Study
New Delhi: A newly approved diabetes drug, Sotagliflozin, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to an international clinical trial involving over 10,000 participants. The study, led by a team of researchers including an Indian-origin scientist, highlights the additional cardiovascular benefits of the drug beyond its primary use in managing type 2 diabetes.
Sotagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitor, works by blocking two key proteins, SGLT1 and SGLT2, which help regulate blood sugar levels. Unlike other SGLT2 inhibitors that primarily target the kidneys, Sotagliflozin also affects SGLT1 receptors found in the gut, heart, brain, and kidneys, providing a broader mechanism of action.
“These results demonstrate a unique dual blockade mechanism that significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, Director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine, US. He emphasized that the cardiovascular benefits observed with Sotagliflozin are distinct from those seen with widely used SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease.
The randomized, multicenter study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, involved 10,584 patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and additional cardiovascular risk factors. Participants were monitored for an average of 16 months. The findings revealed that those taking Sotagliflozin experienced a 23% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those receiving a placebo.
Previously, Sotagliflozin was approved by the US FDA for reducing cardiovascular deaths, heart failure hospitalizations, and urgent heart failure visits in patients with heart failure, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other cardiovascular risks. However, the latest study suggests that the drug’s benefits extend even further, potentially leading to more widespread use.
“The new data reinforce its role in preventing heart attacks and strokes, making it a valuable addition to cardiovascular care,” Bhatt noted.
The study underscores the growing potential of diabetes medications in cardiovascular disease management, opening new possibilities for treatment strategies in high-risk patients.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.