Ertugliflozin for Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment called ertugliflozin for children and teens with type 2 diabetes who already take metformin, with or without insulin. The goal is to determine if adding ertugliflozin can lower blood sugar levels more effectively than a placebo after 24 weeks. Those with type 2 diabetes for at least two years and on a consistent dose of metformin might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
You can continue taking your current medications, like metformin and insulin, as the trial includes participants already on these treatments.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that ertugliflozin, the treatment being tested in this study, is generally safe for adults with type 2 diabetes. However, there is insufficient information about its safety for children and teenagers with the same condition. Some studies suggest that drugs like ertugliflozin can help control blood sugar levels in young people, but their complete safety for children remains unknown.
In adults, ertugliflozin has been linked to risks such as ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces too much acid. Anyone considering joining the trial should discuss these potential risks and benefits with their doctor. The trial aims to learn more about how well young people can handle ertugliflozin, highlighting the study's importance.12345Why are researchers excited about this study treatment for type 2 diabetes?
Ertugliflozin is unique because it offers a new approach to managing pediatric type 2 diabetes by targeting the kidneys to help remove excess glucose from the body. Unlike standard treatments such as metformin and insulin, which focus on improving insulin sensitivity or providing insulin directly, ertugliflozin works as an SGLT2 inhibitor. This means it blocks a protein involved in glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, allowing more sugar to be excreted in urine. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could offer a complementary mechanism to existing therapies, potentially improving blood sugar control and providing a new option for young patients.
What evidence suggests that ertugliflozin might be an effective treatment for pediatric type 2 diabetes?
Research shows that ertugliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, can help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that these medications work well for children and young adults with this condition. In this trial, participants will receive either ertugliflozin or a placebo, alongside their background metformin with or without insulin treatment. Ertugliflozin helps the body remove extra sugar through urine, which can lower blood sugar levels. Early results suggest that adding ertugliflozin to treatments like metformin or insulin may further reduce hemoglobin A1C, a measure of long-term blood sugar, in young patients. This could lead to better overall blood sugar control.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Medical Director
Principal Investigator
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children with Type 2 diabetes who are overweight or have been diagnosed for at least 2 years. They must be on a stable dose of metformin, possibly with insulin, and agree to use contraception if sexually active. It's not for those with Type 1 diabetes, known sensitivity to SGLT2 inhibitors, severe hypoglycemia history on insulin, pregnant or breastfeeding females, or anyone needing immediate hyperglycemia treatment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive ertugliflozin or placebo for 54 weeks, with a primary focus on reducing HbA1C levels
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ertugliflozin
- Insulin
- Metformin
- Placebo
Insulin is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diabetes mellitus
- Diabetes mellitus
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Lead Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Chief Medical Officer
Engineering degree from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University
Pfizer
Industry Sponsor
Albert Bourla
Pfizer
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
PhD in Biotechnology of Reproduction, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Patrizia Cavazzoni
Pfizer
Chief Medical Officer
MD from McGill University