Lilly’s efsitora reports positive results from Phase III type 2 diabetes trials

Eli Lilly and Company has announced promising results from Phase III trials of once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). The QWINT-1 and QWINT-3 trials compared efsitora with insulin glargine and insulin degludec, respectively.

The 52-week QWINT-1 study showed that efsitora reduced A1C levels as effectively as insulin glargine, while the 78-week QWINT-3 trial demonstrated efsitora’s A1C reduction was comparable to insulin degludec. These results suggest efsitora could be an effective once-weekly basal insulin for T2D.

Participants using efsitora had about two extra hours per day in the target glucose range, reflecting improved glucose control. The safety and tolerability of efsitora were similar to daily basal insulins. Efsitora is a fusion protein combining insulin with a human IgG2 Fc domain, allowing for stable glucose levels with weekly administration.

In August, the company also reported that Zepbound (tirzepatide) effectively prevented T2D development in overweight or obese patients in a Phase III study.