Interpretation of cardiovascular outcome trials results of new antidiabetic agents

The incidence of diabetes is continuously increasing worldwide, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic burden. Glycemic control using traditional diabetes medications prevents microvascular complications; however, there is no objective evidence that it prevents macrovascular complications. In the 21st century, concerns have arisen that strict glycemic control and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone might increase mortality. This led the United States Food and Drug Administration to establish guidelines that require that cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) with 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3-P MACE) as the primary endpoints be performed for new diabetes drugs. Since then, 20 CVOTs have been reported. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors do not increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease; however, saxagliptin increases the risk of heart failure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagonlike peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) not only have proven cardiovascular safety but also have shown results beyond expectations by reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, SGLT2is have been reported to markedly prevent heart failure and kidney disease. The reduction in 3-P MACE by GLP-1RAs was observed only with long-acting agents; long-acting GLP-1RAs also markedly reduced renal endpoints. However, no preventive effect against heart failure was observed with GLP-1RAs. The preventive effects of both drug types against cardiovascular and kidney diseases appear to be independent of glycemic control. In conclusion, based on CVOT results, it is necessary to actively prescribe SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes, regardless of glycemic control.