Interní Med. 2019; 21(1): 62-66 | DOI: 10.36290/int.2019.011

Dulaglutide‑pharmacological profile

MUDr. Alena Adamíková, Ph.D.

Diabetologické centrum Zlín

Dulaglutide, an antidiabetic agent applied by injection, ranks among the longer-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists for glucagon-like peptides 1 (GLP-1). During higher concentrations of glucose after application of dulaglutide there occurs release of insulin; dulaglutide further suppresses glucagon secretion which leads to reduction of hepatic glucose production. As all GLP-1 receptor agonists it slows down emptying of the stomach. Fasting glycaemia and postprandial glycaemia, HbA1c and weight are affected. The prolonged biological half-life of 4.7 day enables application by injection 1× a week any time during the day independently of meal time. Stable values of plasmatic concentrations were achieved between 2 to 4 weeks of application. The safety and effectivity of dulaglutide were proven in the clinical program of the study AWARD including also renal protectiveness. Attention is paid to cardiovascular benefits in the REWIND study. In the meta-analysis evaluation of 4-point MACE in the course of the II and III phases of clinical studies no increase of CV was noted. According to SPC dulaglutide is indicated during monotherapy and in additional antidiabetic combination therapy including insulin for adult type 2 diabetic patients when there is insufficient control of glycaemia. Application 1× a week markedly improves compliance of patients and adherence to therapy.

Keywords: dulaglutide, GLP-1 receptor agonist, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Published: February 21, 2019  Show citation