Lyxumia demonstrates noninferiority to Byetta in late-stage trial

PARIS — An investigational Sanofi drug for diabetes works at least as well as a similar treatment already on the market, and results in less abnormally low blood sugar, according to late-stage clinical trial results presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions in San Diego this past weekend.

Sanofi said the drug Lyxumia (lixisenatide) demonstrated noninferiority to Byetta (exenatide), made by Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and less hypoglycemia in a phase-3 trial. The trial included 634 patients who received either Lyxumia once per day or Byetta twice per day in addition to the generic diabetes drug metformin.

Other findings included greater reduction in weight and fewer patients having to stop therapy due to such adverse side effects as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.