Aggarwal N, et al. – Keeping the objective in mind, researchers indicated that metformin extended–release (XR) demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to metformin immediate–release (IR) over 24 weeks, with the advantage of once–daily dosing.

Methods

• Researchers carried out an international, randomized, double–blind trial (NCT01864174) to compare the efficacy and safety of metformin extended–release (XR) and immediate–release (IR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• After a 4–week placebo lead–in, they randomized pharmacotherapy–naïve adults with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0%–9.2% to receive once–daily metformin XR 2000 mg or twice–daily metformin IR 1000 mg for 24 weeks.
• The preliminary outcome was change in HbA1c after 24 weeks.
• Change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), mean daily glucose (MDG), and patients (%) with HbA1c

Results

• They randomized a sum of 539 patients (metformin XR, N=268; metformin IR, N=271).
• The outcomes highlighted that adjusted mean changes in HbA1c, FPG, MDG, and patients (%) with HbA1c
• Between groups, adverse events were similar and consistent with previous studies.