The headliner: As needed albuterol+budesnide in mild asthma for the win!
Prior trials have shown that as needed albuterol+budesonide in a combination inhaler, compared to albuterol-alone, reduces asthma exacerbations among adults with moderate to severe asthma. But how about adults with mild asthma? Enter the BATURA trial! It was a phase 3, fully virtual RCT of over 2500 adults with mild asthma. Patients were randomized 1:1 to as-needed albuterol–budesonide (180 μg/160 μg per dose) versus as-needed albuterol (180 μg per dose) for up to 52 weeks. The trial stopped early for efficacy and identified a 4% absolute risk reduction in severe exacerbations for adults in the combination group (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39–0.73). Want to learn more? Tune into our recent podcast covering this trial!
The hidden gem: Semaglutide improves A1C and weight in adults with T1DM
I get it, you’re tired of hearing about semaglutide as a cure all. But stay with me for a moment. There have been no new medications for adults with T1DM since the discovery of insulin over 100 years ago. This small, 26-week, phase 2, double-blind trial of adults with T1DM and obesity showed that patients randomized to semaglutide achieved better glycemic control (-0.3 percentage points lower A1C) and greater weight loss (9 kg) compared to placebo. Yes, phase 3 trials are needed, but if a patient with T1DM has obesity, these are the best available data to answer their question “doc, should I be on Ozempic (semaglutide)?!”. Want to learn more? Tune into our recent podcast covering this trial!
The take home points:
[1] As-needed albuterol–budesonide reduced severe exacerbations in mild asthma vs. albuterol alone.
[2] Semaglutide improved A1C and led to 9 kg weight loss in adults with type 1 diabetes and obesity.