Purpose: The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) should be conducted for all new antidiabetic drugs introduced into the market after 2008. The study thus initiated a systematic review and meta-analysis of the CVOTS of antidiabetic agents.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science in EndNote X9 for trial results published from January 1, 2008 to November 30, 2019, using the keywords: “Cardiovascular Outcome(s) Trial(s)” OR “CVOT(s)” AND “Diabetes” to identify the CVOTs of antidiabetic drugs separately. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) with 95% CI and weights, and the forest plots were drawn with MS-Excel 2019 with VBA. Significant difference was indicated if the error bars did not cross the no-effect line 1.0.
Results: A total of 24 CVOTs were cited. Overall, Glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) was able to significantly reduce 12% 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3-P MACE) (HR 0.88, 0.82- 0.94), while SUSTAIN 6 (0.61, 0.38-0.99) and REWIND (Dulaglutide) (0.76, 0.61-0.95) were found to significantly reduce stroke. SGLT2i was able to significantly reduce 3-P MACE by 11% (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.96), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) by 31% (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61-0.79), and renal composite by 45% (0.55, 0.48-0.64). Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors showed neutral result (0.99, 0.94-1.05); CARMELINA (Linagliptin) could significantly reduce albuminuria progression (0.86, 0.78-0.95). SAVOR TIMI 53 (Saxagliptin), however, appeared to increase HHF by 27% (1.27, 1.07-1.51).
Conclusion: In addition to their ability to reduce 3-P MACE, SGLT2i also reports protective effects on HHF and kidneys and GLP1-RA can reduce the risk of stroke, thus facilitating recent changes in type 2 diabetes treatment in Europe, America and Taiwan.