Benzinga | Jun 25, 2021 03:09PM EDT

AstraZeneca's Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Shows Clinical Benefit In Adolescents

* AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:AZN) has reported results from the Phase 3 trial evaluating exenatide extended-release 2mg in adolescents aged 10--17 years with type 2 diabetes.

* This once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist significantly reduced blood sugar, as measured by HbA1c, versus placebo.

* The results were presented at the 2021 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.

* The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that exenatide reduced HbA1c from baseline compared with placebo at 24 weeks, with mean changes of ?0.36% and +0.49%, respectively.

* Data at week 24 also showed that exenatide was generally well tolerated and consistent with the existing safety profile in adults.

* The most common adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections (10% in the exenatide group) and abdominal pain (13% in the placebo group).

* Gastrointestinal disorders were reported less frequently in the exenatide once weekly group than in the placebo group (22% vs. 26%).

* The FDA granted AstraZeneca a priority review for its supplemental application to use exenatide in adolescents 10--17 years old.

* In the US, exenatide is currently indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D.

* Price Action: AZN shares are up 1.06% at $59.04 during the market trading session on the last check Friday.