Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly report positive linagliptin data

Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly have announced new clinical data that further underlines the positive safety performance of their diabetes therapy linagliptin.

Analysis of phase III data showed that treatment with the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor was associated with a minimal increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The drug demonstrated a better performance in terms of this key safety measure than a number of comparators, including placebo and two alternative therapy options.

Results from 19 double-blind studies – including data from 9,459 patients – was pooled to carry out this post-hoc analysis.

Dr Odd Erik Johansen, senior clinical programme leader at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "There is a well-established association between cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes … It is therefore important to identify treatments that do not increase the risk of CV events even further."

Earlier this week, Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly reported positive data from a study of empagliflozin, the investigational diabetes therapy they are currently developing.