Ivan Tkáč
The EXSCEL study, which tested the effect of exenatide with extended release given once weekly as an add-on
treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes with a high cardiovascular risk, was the fourth clinical randomized study
to examine the cardiovascular safety and potential cardiovascular benefit of a drug from the group of GLP-1 receptor
agonist. While the ELIXA trial (lixisenatide) confirmed only cardiovascular safety, further studies LEADER (liraglutide)
a SUSTAIN-6 (semaglutide) showed also a benefit in the prevention of cardiovascular mortality a morbidity, as well as
the progression of nefropathy. In EXSCEL, the effect of LEADER on all-cause death reduction as the most important
outcome in the clinical studies was replicated, as well as the effect on slowing the progression of nephropathy. It might
be concluded that the GLP-1 receptor agonism has a preventive effect on atherosclerosis development in subjects with
type 2 diabetes.