Beyond GLP-1: efficacy and safety of dual and triple incretin agonists in personalized type 2 diabetes care-a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dual and triple incretin-based agonists, targeting combinations of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, represent an innovative approach in T2DM care. However, comparative efficacy and safety analyses tailored to receptor-specific strategies are limited.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and network meta-analysis uniquely evaluates the efficacy and safety of dual and triple incretin agonists compared to standard therapies, offering insights into personalized, receptor-specific T2DM therapies.

DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase (up to July 2024) identified RCTs.

STUDY SELECTION: Trials assessing dual or triple incretin therapies in T2DM with outcomes on weight, HbA1c, FBG, AEs, and SAEs were included.

DATA EXTRACTION: Data on efficacy and safety were extracted by independent reviewers and assessed for quality using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Retatrutide achieved the greatest weight reduction (MD: - 8.601; 95% CrI: - 11.20 to - 5.95) while Tirzepatide was most effective in lowering FBG (MD: - 57.30) and HbA1c ( - 1.88), with 95% CrIs of - 65.41 to - 48.9 and - 2.15 to - 1.64 respectively. Tirzepatide (RR 1.15) and Cotadutide (1.38) increased AEs, while Semaglutide reduced SAEs (0.35); 95% Crls: 1.04-1.33, 1.16-1.68, and 0.13-0.78, respectively.

LIMITATIONS: Small sample sizes, short study durations, and reliance on indirect comparisons in some cases may limit the certainty of these findings. Direct head-to-head trials are needed to confirm these results.

CONCLUSION: Receptor-specific targeting optimizes T2DM treatment, with Semaglutide supporting glycemic control, Tirzepatide enhancing weight loss and glucose regulation, and Retatrutide potentially offering broader metabolic benefits, advancing receptor-targeted, personalized therapy.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024532368.