Experiences of People with Type 2 Diabetes and Healthcare Professionals with Once-Weekly Insulin Efsitora Alfa in QWINT Phase 3 Trials: Qualitative In-Trial Interviews

BACKGROUND: People with type 2 diabetes (PwD) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) often perceive daily basal insulin regimens as burdensome, and many PwD requiring basal insulin fail to achieve glycemic targets. Once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) demonstrated non-inferior efficacy and similar safety compared to daily basal insulin. To understand PwD perceptions of efsitora treatment and HCP perceptions of prescribing once-weekly efsitora, qualitative interview sub-studies with PwD and HCPs were performed as part of the QWINT trials. METHODS: Four qualitative interview sub-studies explored the experiences of PwD and HCPs with efsitora during QWINT-1, QWINT-2, and QWINT-3 trials in the United States (US), Canada, or Mexico. Telephone interviews were conducted in English or Spanish and followed a semi-structured interview guide. De-identified interview transcripts were coded and analyzed deductively following a content analysis approach. The interview sample was described using sociodemographic and key clinical trial data. RESULTS: The interviews included 72 PwD treated with efsitora and 22 HCPs. Across trials, PwD highlighted the convenience, flexibility, and ease of use of efsitora. Insulin-experienced PwD (QWINT-3) particularly valued the reduced injection frequency, ease of adherence, and improvements in glycemic control and overall well-being. Insulin-naïve PwD (QWINT-1 and QWINT-2) especially appreciated ease of use/convenience. Most PwD reported that efsitora improved their quality of life, expressed high satisfaction and confidence with its use, and were willing to continue treatment beyond the trial period. HCPs highlighted improved adherence, fewer injections, better glycemic control, and enhanced convenience for both PwD and clinical staff as the main advantages of once-weekly dosing. HCPs felt that PwD already on basal insulin and/or with adherence challenges or busy or irregular schedules might particularly benefit from once-weekly dosing. The most frequently cited disadvantage of efsitora was reduced opportunity for dose adjustment compared to daily regimens. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study provides in-depth insights of the experiences of PwD and HCPs with efsitora treatment. Both groups emphasized its convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, while remaining confident in its glycemic control. These findings augment both clinical and patient-reported data and indicate that efsitora may mitigate challenges in diabetes management by reducing the burden and demands associated with conventional daily basal insulin regimens.