New study results show Trajenta^® (linagliptin) reduces blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes at risk for kidney impairment

Ingelheim, Germany and Indianapolis, US, 11 JUNE, 2016 – Results from the MARLINA-T2DTM trial demonstrated that Trajenta^® (linagliptin), which is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company, reduced blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are at risk for kidney impairment with a renal safety profile similar to that seen in other trials.¹ The findings will be presented tomorrow at the American Diabetes Association 76th Scientific Sessions^® in New Orleans.

“Up to half of people with type 2 diabetes experience long-term problems with kidney function,” said Professor Per-Henrik Groop, Professor of Nephrology, and Chief Physician at the Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland and Principal Investigator of the MARLINA-T2D^™ trial. “Diabetes treatment options are generally limited for this group. These results support the use of Trajenta^®, with just one dose for all patients, including those with type 2 diabetes who have early signs of kidney disease.”

In people who have diabetes, high levels of blood glucose can damage the kidneys' filters. Over time, the damage can increase the risk for developing kidney impairment. One of the first signs of damaged kidneys and early stage kidney disease is leakage of the protein albumin out of the kidneys into the urine – a condition known as albuminuria that indicates risk for further worsening of kidney function.² 

MARLINA-T2DTM examined the safety and efficacy of Trajenta^® versus placebo in 360 patients with T2D and albuminuria (defined as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) 30-3000 mg/g creatinine). At 24 weeks, Trajenta^® was associated with a significant 0.6 percent reduction in A1C (a measure of average blood glucose over the past two to three months) versus placebo.¹ Change in albuminuria, as measured by UACR, was non-significant with Trajenta^® versus placebo.¹ Trajenta^® was well tolerated in the trial, with a kidney (renal) safety profile consistent with that of previous clinical trials.¹  

“The treatment of type 2 diabetes is rarely a simple matter – people with this condition are often dealing with a multitude of complications, including problems with their kidneys,” said Professor Hans-Juergen Woerle, Global Vice President medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim. “The MARLINA-T2DTM trial results further support the use of Trajenta^® as a once-daily therapy that does not require dose adjustment regardless of renal function.”

About linagliptin
Linagliptin (5 mg, once daily) is marketed in Europe as Trajenta^® (linagliptin) and in the U.S. as Tradjenta^® (linagliptin), as a once-daily tablet that is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Linagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).^3,4

About Diabetes 
More than 415 million people worldwide have diabetes, of which 193 million are estimated to be undiagnosed.⁵ By 2040, the number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 642 million people worldwide.⁵ Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, responsible for up to 91 percent of diabetes cases in high-income countries.⁵ Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either does not properly produce, or use, the hormone insulin.

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in diabetes that centres on compounds representing several of the largest diabetes treatment classes. This alliance leverages the strengths of two of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of patients with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs. Find out more about the alliance at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or www.lilly.com.

Boehringer Ingelheim 
Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates globally through 145 affiliates and a total of some 47,500 employees. The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.
Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects through, for example, the initiative “Making More Health” while also caring for employees. Respect, equal opportunity and reconciling career and family form the foundation of mutual cooperation. The company also focuses on environmental protection and sustainability in everything it does.
In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.8 billion euros. R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 per cent of net sales.
For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world's first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions – from medicines to support programs and more – we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow @LillyDiabetes.

About Eli Lilly and Company 
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. 

CONTACT:

Molly McCully
Communications Manager
Lilly Diabetes 
Email: mccully_molly@lilly.com
Phone: +1 317 478 5423