Canagliflozin has been studied in combination with metformin HCl alone, metformin HCl and sulfonylurea, metformin HCl and sitagliptin, metformin HCl and a thiazolidinedione (i.e., pioglitazone), and metformin HCl and insulin (with or without other anti-hyperglycemic agents). The efficacy of canagliflozin was compared to a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (sitagliptin), both as add-on combination therapy with metformin HCl and sulfonylurea, and a sulfonylurea (glimepiride), both as add-on combination therapy with metformin HCl.

There have been no clinical efficacy trials conducted with INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR; however, bioequivalence of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR to canagliflozin and metformin HCl co-administered as individual tablets was demonstrated in healthy subjects.

Canagliflozin as Initial Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl Extended-Release

A total of 1,186 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet and exercise participated in a 26-week double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group, 5-arm, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial therapy with canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl extended-release. The median age was 56 years, 48% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 87.6 mL/min/1.73 m 2. The median duration of diabetes was 1.6 years, and 72% of patients were treatment naïve. After completing a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period, patients were randomly assigned for a double-blind treatment period of 26 weeks to 1 of 5 treatment groups (Table 13). The metformin HCl extended-release dose was initiated at 500 mg/day for the first week of treatment and then increased to 1,000 mg/day. Metformin HCl extended-release or matching placebo was up-titrated every 2–3 weeks during the next 8 weeks of treatment to a maximum daily dose of 1,500 to 2,000 mg/day, as tolerated; about 90% of patients reached 2,000 mg/day. 

At the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg and canagliflozin 300 mg in combination with metformin HCl extended-release resulted in a statistically significant greater improvement in HbA 1Ccompared to their respective canagliflozin doses (100 mg and 300 mg) alone or metformin HCl extended-release alone. 

Canagliflozin as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl

A total of 1,284 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin HCl monotherapy (greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/day or at least 1,500 mg/day if higher dose not tolerated) participated in a 26-week, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl. The mean age was 55 years, 47% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 89 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients already on the required metformin HCl dose (N=1009) were randomized after completing a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period. Patients taking less than the required metformin HCl dose or patients on metformin HCl in combination with another antihyperglycemic agent (N=275) were switched to metformin HCl monotherapy (at doses described above) for at least 8 weeks before entering the 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in. After the placebo run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg, or placebo, administered once daily as add-on therapy to metformin HCl. 

At the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily resulted in a statistically significant improvement in HbA 1C(p<0.001 for both doses) compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily also resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving an HbA 1Cless than 7%, in significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), in improved postprandial glucose (PPG), and in percent body weight reduction compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl (see Table 14). Statistically significant (p<0.001 for both doses) mean changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure relative to placebo were -5.4 mmHg and -6.6 mmHg with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg, respectively. 

Canagliflozin Compared to Glimepiride, Both as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl

A total of 1,450 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin HCl monotherapy (greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/day or at least 1,500 mg/day if higher dose not tolerated) participated in a 52-week, double-blind, active-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl.

The mean age was 56 years, 52% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 90 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients tolerating maximally required metformin HCl dose (N=928) were randomized after completing a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period. Other patients (N=522) were switched to metformin HCl monotherapy (at doses described above) for at least 10 weeks, then completed a 2-week single-blind run-in period. After the 2-week run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or glimepiride (titration allowed throughout the 52-week trial to 6 or 8 mg), administered once daily as add-on therapy to metformin HCl. 

As shown in Table 15 and Figure 1, at the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg provided similar reductions in HbA 1Cfrom baseline compared to glimepiride when added to metformin HCl therapy. Canagliflozin 300 mg provided a greater reduction from baseline in HbA 1Ccompared to glimepiride, and the relative treatment difference was -0.12% (95% CI: −0.22; −0.02). As shown in Table 15, treatment with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg daily provided greater improvements in percent body weight change, relative to glimepiride. 

Figure 1: Mean HbA 1CChange at Each Time Point (Completers) and at Week 52 Using Last Observation Carried Forward (mITT Population) 

Canagliflozin as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl and Sitagliptin

A total of 217 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on the combination of metformin HCl (greater than or equal to 1,500 mg/day) and sitagliptin 100 mg/day (or equivalent fixed-dose combination) participated in a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl and sitagliptin. The mean age was 57 years, 58% of patients were male, 73% of patients were White, 15% were Asian, and 12% were Black or African American. The mean baseline eGFR was 90 mL/min/1.73 m 2and the mean baseline BMI was 32 kg/m 2. The mean duration of diabetes was 10 years. Eligible patients entered a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period and were subsequently randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg or placebo, administered once daily as add-on to metformin HCl and sitagliptin. Patients with a baseline eGFR of 70 mL/min/1.73 m 2or greater who were tolerating canagliflozin 100 mg and who required additional glycemic control (fasting finger stick 100 mg/dL or greater at least twice within 2 weeks) were up-titrated to canagliflozin 300 mg. While up-titration occurred as early as Week 4, most (90%) patients randomized to canagliflozin were up-titrated to canagliflozin 300 mg by 6 to 8 weeks. 

At the end of 26 weeks, canagliflozin once daily resulted in a statistically significant improvement in HbA 1C(p<0.001) compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and sitagliptin (see Table 16). 

Canagliflozin as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl and Sulfonylurea

A total of 469 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on the combination of metformin HCl (greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/day or at least 1,500 mg/day if higher dose not tolerated) and sulfonylurea (maximal or near-maximal effective dose) participated in a 26-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl and sulfonylurea. The mean age was 57 years, 51% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 89 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients already on the protocol-specified doses of metformin HCl and sulfonylurea (N=372) entered a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period. Other patients (N=97) were required to be on a stable protocol-specified dose of metformin HCl and sulfonylurea for at least 8 weeks before entering the 2-week run-in period. Following the run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or placebo administered once daily as add-on to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea. 

At the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily resulted in a statistically significant improvement in HbA 1C(p<0.001 for both doses) compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily also resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving an HbA 1Cless than 7.0%, in a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and in percent body weight reduction compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea (see Table 17). 

Canagliflozin Compared to Sitagliptin, Both as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl and Sulfonylurea

A total of 755 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on the combination of metformin HCl (greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/day or at least 1,500 mg/day if higher dose not tolerated) and sulfonylurea (near-maximal or maximal effective dose) participated in a 52 week, double-blind, active-controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin 300 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg in combination with metformin HCl and sulfonylurea. The mean age was 57 years, 56% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 88 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients already on protocol-specified doses of metformin HCl and sulfonylurea (N=716) entered a 2-week single-blind, placebo run-in period. Other patients (N=39) were required to be on a stable protocol-specified dose of metformin HCl and sulfonylurea for at least 8 weeks before entering the 2-week run-in period. Following the run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 300 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg as add-on to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea. 

As shown in Table 18 and Figure 2, at the end of treatment, canagliflozin 300 mg provided greater HbA 1Creduction compared to sitagliptin 100 mg when added to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea (p<0.05). Canagliflozin 300 mg resulted in a mean percent change in body weight from baseline of -2.5% compared to +0.3% with sitagliptin 100 mg. A mean change in systolic blood pressure from baseline of -5.06 mmHg was observed with canagliflozin 300 mg compared to +0.85 mmHg with sitagliptin 100 mg. 

Figure 2: Mean HbA 1CChange at Each Time Point (Completers) and at Week 52 Using Last Observation Carried Forward (mITT Population) 

Canagliflozin as Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl and Pioglitazone

A total of 342 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on the combination of metformin HCl (greater than or equal to 2,000 mg/day or at least 1,500 mg/day if higher dose not tolerated) and pioglitazone (30 or 45 mg/day) participated in a 26-week, double--blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl and pioglitazone. The mean age was 57 years, 63% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 86 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients already on protocol-specified doses of metformin HCl and pioglitazone (N=163) entered a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period. Other patients (N=181) were required to be on stable protocol-specified doses of metformin HCl and pioglitazone for at least 8 weeks before entering the 2-week run-in period. Following the run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or placebo, administered once daily as add-on to metformin HCl and pioglitazone. 

At the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily resulted in a statistically significant improvement in HbA 1C(p<0.001 for both doses) compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and pioglitazone. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily also resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving an HbA 1Cless than 7%, in significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and in percent body weight reduction compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and pioglitazone (see Table 19). Statistically significant (p<0.05 for both doses) mean changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure relative to placebo were -4.1 mmHg and -3.5 mmHg with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg, respectively. 

Canagliflozin as Add-on Combination Therapy with Insulin (With or Without Other Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents, Including Metformin HCl)

A total of 1,718 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on insulin greater than or equal to 30 units/day or insulin in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents participated in an 18-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled substudy of a cardiovascular trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination with insulin. Of these patients, a subgroup of 432 patients with inadequate glycemic control received canagliflozin or placebo plus metformin HCl and ≥ 30 units/day of insulin over 18 weeks.

In this subgroup, the mean age was 61 years, 67% of patients were male, and the mean baseline eGFR was 81 mL/min/1.73 m 2. Patients on metformin HCl in combination with basal, bolus, or basal/bolus insulin for at least 10 weeks entered a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period. Approximately 74% of these patients were on a background of metformin HCl and basal/bolus insulin regimen. After the run-in period, patients were randomized to canagliflozin 100 mg, canagliflozin 300 mg, or placebo, administered once daily as add-on to metformin HCl and insulin. The mean daily insulin dose at baseline was 93 units, which was similar across treatment groups. 

At the end of treatment, canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily resulted in a statistically significant improvement in HbA 1C(p<0.001 for both doses) compared to placebo when added to metformin HCl and insulin. Canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily also resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving an HbA 1Cless than 7%, in significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and in percent body weight reductions compared to placebo (see Table 20). Statistically significant (p=0.023 for the 100 mg and p<0.001 for the 300 mg dose) mean change from baseline in systolic blood pressure relative to placebo was –3.5 mmHg and -6 mmHg with canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg, respectively. Fewer patients on canagliflozin in combination with metformin HCl and insulin required glycemic rescue therapy: 3.6% of patients receiving canagliflozin 100 mg, 2.7% of patients receiving canagliflozin 300 mg, and 6.2% of patients receiving placebo. An increased incidence of hypoglycemia was observed in this trial, which is consistent with the expected increase of hypoglycemia when an agent not associated with hypoglycemia is added to insulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)and Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .