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Top stories in endocrinology: FDA fast tracks CKD drug, DPP-IV inhibitors may increase pancreatic cancer risk

Among the top stories in endocrinology last week were the FDA’s decision to fast track the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin to delay renal failure in patients with or without diabetes who also have with chronic kidney disease and a study that found adults with type 2 diabetes treated with dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who received other treatment.

Other highlights included findings that metformin may slow the development of symptoms of aging, a study that found adults with depressive symptoms may not be as physically active, putting them at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and findings that suggested adding obesity medications to weight loss programs, especially when the medications were added early in the program, helped patients with obesity effectively lose weight.

FDA fast tracks development of dapagliflozin for cardiovascular, renal death prevention in chronic kidney disease

The FDA granted fast track designation for the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2inhibitor dapagliflozin for use in patients with or without diabetes who have chronic kidney disease to delay progression of renal failure and to prevent cardiovascular and renal death, according to a press release from AstraZeneca. Read more.

DPP-IV inhibitors may increase risk for pancreatic cancer

Adults with type 2 diabetes who are treated with dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors are more likely to develop pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer compared with those treated with other medications, according to findings published in Diabetes Care. Read more.

Metformin may hold anti-aging promise to increase ‘health span’

The biguanide metformin, an effective first-line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has come a long way from the days when the FDA hesitated to approve the drug due to risk for lactic acidosis. Today, metformin, now an inexpensive generic and widely available, has garnered a new reputation as a possible anti-aging wonder pill that influences a host of metabolic and cellular processes closely associated with the development of age-related conditions. Read more.

Depressive symptoms weaken efficacy of physical activity programs for diabetes prevention

Adults who report a greater number of depressive symptoms may engage in less physical activity, putting them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to findings published in Diabetes Care. Read more.

Weight loss improves with prompt obesity medication use

Incorporating an obesity medication regimen into a weight loss program can help adults with obesity reduce weight more effectively than nonpharmacologic approaches, especially if patients start taking the medications early, according to findings published in Obesity Science and Practice. Read more.