A recent phase 3 clinical trial published in Annals of Internal Medicine supports the use of canagliflozin for treating type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. The study involved 171 participants aged 10-18 years with inadequate glycemic control, who received either oral canagliflozin or a placebo for 52 weeks.
Key Findings:
- Significant Reduction in HbA1c: Participants receiving canagliflozin had significantly greater HbA1c improvement compared to those on placebo at week 26, with improvements seen as early as week 6.
- Improved Fasting Plasma Glucose: Fasting plasma glucose levels significantly improved at week 26 in participants receiving canagliflozin compared to placebo.
- Safety Profile: The safety profile of canagliflozin in children and adolescents was similar to that seen in adults, with common adverse events including headaches, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infections, and vomiting. The risk of hypoglycemic events was low, with no severe events occurring.
Study Implications:
The study’s results suggest that canagliflozin is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes, a population with limited treatment options. Further studies may be needed to confirm these findings and establish long-term safety and efficacy