Authors: William Polonsky, Malik Benamar, Lisbeth Carstensen, Melanie Davies, Anders Meller Donatsky, Edward Franek, Monika Kellerer, Athena Philis-Tsimikas, Ronald Goldenberg
Abstract
Aims: The ONWARDS phase 3a clinical trials evaluated once-weekly insulin icodec (icodec) versus once-daily basal insulin in type 2 diabetes. This analysis investigated the treatment-related experiences of participants from ONWARDS 5 and 2, and physicians from ONWARDS 1.
Methods: Patient-reported outcomes were only collected during ONWARDS 5 (icodec with a dosing guide app vs. once-daily basal analogues) and 2 (icodec vs. once-daily insulin degludec). ONWARDS 1 (icodec vs. once-daily insulin glargine U100) physicians’ treatment preferences and satisfaction were obtained via an online survey.
Results: In ONWARDS 5 and 2, there was a statistically significantly greater increase in total treatment satisfaction from baseline to end of treatment for icodec/icodec with app versus once-daily comparators, mostly driven by participants’ willingness to continue and recommend treatment. In ONWARDS 2, 93.7 % of icodec users preferred once-weekly over once-daily basal insulin, mainly owing to less frequent injections and ease of use. ONWARDS 1 physicians reported greater satisfaction with once-weekly than with once-daily basal insulin and were more likely to recommend once-weekly injections.
Conclusions: These results demonstrate improved treatment satisfaction with, and strong preferences for, once-weekly versus once-daily basal insulin. Treatment convenience and willingness to continue and recommend once-weekly basal insulin treatment were highlighted.