Effects of the Novel Long-Acting GLP-1 Agonist, Albiglutide, on Cardiac Function, Cardiac Metabolism, and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine if glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 ameliorates myocardial metabolic abnormalities in chronic heart failure. Background Albiglutide (GSK716155) is a GLP-1 agonist indicated for type 2 diabetes. Methods We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating 12 weeks of albiglutide in New York Heart Association II or III subjects with ejection fraction  Results Albiglutide 30 mg compared with placebo did not improve change from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (2.4% [1.1%] vs. 4.4% [1.1%]; p = 0.22), 6-min walk test (18 [12] m vs. 9 [11] m; p = 0.58), myocardial glucose use (p = 0.59), or oxygen use (p = 0.25). In contrast, albiglutide 30 mg versus placebo improved change from baseline in peak oxygen consumption (0.9 [0.5] ml/kg/min vs. -0.6 [0.5] ml/kg/min; p = 0.02). Albiglutide was well tolerated. Conclusions Although there was no detectable effect of albiglutide on cardiac function or myocardial glucose use, there was a modest increase in peak oxygen consumption, which could have been mediated by noncardiac effects. (A Multi-center, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety of GSK716155 and Its Effects on Myocardial Metabolism, Myocardial Function, and Exercise Capacity in Patients With NYHA Class II/III Congestive Heart Failure; NCT01357850)