Sanofi Study Examines the Role of Blood Sugar Levels in Preventing Cardiac Events

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The global and diversified healthcare leader Sanofi is currently conducting a research study to determine if lowering blood sugar levels can prevent future cardiovascular events.  Currently being conducted at more than 150 sites across North America, this study may change the future treatment landscape for type 2 diabetics who suffer multiple cardiac events throughout their lifetimes.

The Sanofi study, known as ELIXA, is researching whether the drug lixisenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1), will work in lowering blood sugar and preventing cardiovascular events.  GLP-1 also reduces appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

In a previous study, known as GetGoal F1, results show that the investigational drug lixisenatide significantly reduced HbA1c from baseline to week 24, compared to placebo (inactive substance).

Study participants must be at least 30 years of age, have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or been told that they have an elevated blood sugar level, and have experienced a cardiac event such as a heart attack or unstable angina in the last 180 days. Participation in the study can range from 10 to 47 months, depending upon when patients enter the study.

Diabetes exposes a patient to a multitude of complications, but with treatment and lifestyle changes, the severity or frequency of complications can decrease. The most common complications of type 2 diabetes are heart disease and stroke. Statistics show that adults with diabetes have heart disease death rates about 2 to 4 times higher than adults without diabetes.

Those interested in finding out more about the study, including study site locations, can call the toll-free number at 1-800-984-8341 or visit the study Web site at www.elixastudy.com to be prescreened.

Sanofi discovers, develops, and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patient needs.  Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, and animal health.  

Editor’s Note:

November is National Diabetes Month and an opportunity to highlight a serious epidemic in this country.  More than 150 endocrinologists, cardiologists and internists are conducting the ELIXA study in several locations throughout the U.S.  To arrange an interview to discuss diabetes and heart disease, as well as promising research in this area, please contact Ms. Mulligan.

SOURCE Sanofi