Renal Effects of Treatment With Empagliflozin Alone or in Combination With Semaglutide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Albuminuria

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of treatment with semaglutide 1.34 mg/ml in combination with empagliflozin 25 mg, compared to treatment with empagliflozin 25 mg in combination with placebo on albuminuria in participants with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria.

In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel trial we will include 80 patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. Patients will start in a run-in phase of 26 weeks with empagliflozin 25 mg alone. After that, the patients will be randomised 1:1 to an active treatment period with semaglutide of 26 weeks or placebo for 26 weeks.

The primary endpoint is change from randomisation to week 52 in albuminuria, measured in three morning urine samples.

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. The most promising antidiabetic agents on the market with potential to preserve renal function are endogenous glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) agonists and selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The LEADER trial demonstrated that treatment with liraglutide (GLP-1 agonist) resulted in 22% lower risk of renal composite outcome. The EMPA-REG trial demonstrated that treatment with empagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) reduced the same renal composite outcome by 39%.

Previous studies have mainly focused on glycaemic parameters when combining a GLP-1 agonist and SGLT2 inhibitor. From a renal perspective, it is of major interest to investigate if a stepwise initiation of semaglutide or placebo added to ongoing empagliflozin therapy would complement or have an additive effect on renal parameters.

In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel trial we will include 80 patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. Patients will start in a run-in phase of 26 weeks with empagliflozin 25 mg alone. After that, the patients will be randomised 1:1 to an active treatment period with semaglutide of 26 weeks or placebo for 26 weeks.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Given written informed consent
2. Male or female patients ≥ 18 years with type 2 diabetes (WHO criteria).
3. UACR \> 100 mg/g within a year of informed consent documented in the medical files.
4. eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (estimated by CKD-EPI formula) within 3 months of informed consent documented in the medical files. The eGFR measured at visit 0 has to meet the criteria as well.
5. Fertile female must use chemical, hormonal and mechanical contraceptives, be in menopause (i.e. must not have had regular menstrual bleeding for at least one year), have undergone bilateral oophorectomy or have been surgically sterilized or hysterectomised at least six months prior to screening
6. Treated with maximal tolerated dose of an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker, 4 weeks prior to randomisation. If the participants are not treated with maximal tolerated dosis the investigator will increase the dose 4 weeks prior randomisation if tolerated.
7. Ability to communicate with the investigator and understand informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Known or suspected hypersensitivity to trial product(s) or related products
3. Cancer (except basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell skin cancer) or any other clinically significant disorder, except for conditions associated with type 2 diabetes history, which in the investigators opinion could interfere with the results of the trial
4. Cardiac disease defined as: Decompensated heart failure (NYHA class III-IV) and or diagnosis of unstable angina pectoris and/or myocardial infarction within the last 6 months.
5. Previous bowel resection
6. Body mass index \< 18.5 kg/m2
7. Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant, breast-feeding, intend to become pregnant or are not using adequate contraceptive methods
8. Known or suspected abuse of alcohol or narcotics.
9. Participant in another intervention study