This page was last updated at 11:11 am EST June 28, 2021.
Editor’s Note: This article will be updated regularly with breaking news and announcements during the course of the ADA Scientific Sessions Conference. Check back often! Follow along with us on Twitter at #ADA2021. Coverage of the ADA Scientific Sessions is brought to you by the ADA x BT1 Collab.
SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021
- Results from DARE-19, the first large randomized clinical trial to assess (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with and without type 2 diabetes hospitalized with COVID-19 showed that Dapagliflozin is well tolerated.
- In an early morning session at ADA titled “Who Should Loop?”, providers and patients gave perspectives on the current state of DIY Looping systems in 2021 and discussed the pros and cons of the various systems.
- A discussion about the progression of Type 2 diabetes in children/youth (aged 10-19) showed that compared to adults: diabetes in children is more aggressive, beta-cell function decreases faster even with medications, and complications such as retinopathy and cardiovascular issues are accelerated and usually found at diagnosis. The discussion also discussed new and ongoing trials to increase the chances of approval of the use of Type 2 diabetes, typically used for adults, for children.
SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021
- Data from a study of preschool-age (2-5.9 years old) children using the Omnipod 5 Hybrid Closed Loop System was presented today at ADA. The system led to a reduction in HbA1C, improved Time in Range, and no significant increase in hypoglycemia.
- The presentation “Current Role of Pancreas Transplantation in the Treatment of Diabetes” discussed transplants in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Originally thought of as treatment for Type 1 diabetes in patients with severe hypoglycemia unawareness and other comorbidities, 20 percent of transplants in the US are in those with Type 2 diabetes.
- Prominent diabetes researchers Anne Peters, M.D., and Kasia Lipska, MD, MHS, debated the use of digital coaching for patients with Type 2 diabetes. The debate’s central question posed: are they worth the cost? Peters, a Beyond Type 1 Leadership Council Member, took the position of “yes” while Lipska took the opposite position. The debate was listed as one of the highlighted sessions for this year’s conference.
- Data from the SURPASS-1 clinical trial presented by Lilly Diabetes shows Tirzepatide’s superior A1C and reductions in bodyweight in people with Type 2 diabetes compared to those who received the placebo. The study, which was recently published in The Lancet, showed the highest dose of Tirzepatide reduced A1C by 2.07 percent and bodyweight by 20.9 lb/9.5 kg (11 percent). The lowest dose of Tirzepatide lowered A1C by 1.87 percent and bodyweight by 15.4 lb/ 7.0 kg (7.9 percent). Tirzepatide – a dual GIP/GLP-1 – is a new treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021
- AstraZeneca presented strong phase 3 results of the GLP-1 Bydureon (once-weekly exenatide) which showed significantly reduced levels of HbA1C in children aged 10-17 with Type 2 diabetes. Over the 24 weeks of the trial, those who received the drug had an A1c reduction of 0.36 percent, whereas those who did not saw their A1c increase by 0.49 percent.
- Lilly’s SURPASS-2 results published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at ADA showed all three doses tirzepatide achieved superior A1C and body weight reductions compared to injectable semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- ViaCyte announced preliminary clinical data from its stem cell-derived islet cell replacement therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The results showed PEC‑Direct (VC-02) demonstrates effective engraftment and production of C-peptide.
- A new study presented in a late Breaking Poster Session shows that hospitalization rates for new onset pediatric Type 2 diabetes doubled during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021
- Zealand Pharma announced that Zegalogue® (dasiglucagon) is commercially available in the U.S. in an auto-injector and prefilled syringe, after receiving FDA approval on March 22, 2021
- Bigfoot Biomedical announced that its Bigfoot Unity™ Diabetes Management Program is now available to diabetes clinics and endocrinology practices in select markets across the U.S.
- ADA announced that the 81st Scientific Sessions will feature five COVID-19 Symposia, highlighting cutting-edge science and the latest diabetes developments learned during the initial phases of the pandemic. The Symposia will be presented over the course of the annual meeting taking place June 25–29.