Daily Endocrinology Research Analysis

Our randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed resistant starch (RS), a type of prebiotic, has therapeutic effects in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we observed its heterogeneous efficacy, where 30% of participants exhibited limited benefits, which was replicated in a multi-center trial (ChiCTR2300074588). Multi-omics analysis and fecal microbiota transplantation identified baseline microbiota as a dominant contributor of response. Further population stratification and network analysis combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed Prevotella as the key cause of low response by inhibiting RS-degrading bacteria, thereby impairing RS utilization. Conversely, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum RRP01, a strain isolated from our cohort, restored RS degradation and improved Prevotella-attenuated RS response. Furthermore, we developed a predictive model integrating baseline microbial and clinical features (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.74-0.87), enabling stratification for personalized interventions. Our study indicates that gut microbiota determines the heterogeneity in RS efficacy and offers possibilities for novel microbiota-oriented precision therapeutics for MASLD.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have become an important option in clinical use for type 2 diabetes due to their dual benefits of glycaemic management and metabolic improvements. Efsubaglutide alfa, a novel long-acting GLP-1RA, was developed for sustained glycaemic management. This study aimed to confirm its recommended clinical dose and evaluate its efficacy and safety in drug-naive individuals with type 2 diabetes that was inadequately managed through lifestyle interventions. METHODS: This two-stage Phase IIb/III trial employed an operationally seamless adaptive design and enrolled adults who had been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and whose diabetes was inadequately managed by diet and exercise. In the Phase IIb stage, participants were randomised in a 2:2:2:1 ratio to receive once-weekly subcutaneous injections of efsubaglutide alfa (1, 2 or 3 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Based on an interim analysis, two recommended Phase III doses (RP3Ds) were selected by an independent data monitoring committee. In the Phase III stage, participants were randomised in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive efsubaglutide alfa at one of the two RP3Ds or to receive placebo. Participants, investigators and sponsors were masked to drug/placebo allocation throughout the trial. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA RESULTS: In the Phase IIb stage, 140 participants were randomised to efsubaglutide alfa (1 mg, n=41; 2 mg, n=39; 3 mg, n=41) or placebo (n=19). Based on interim analysis, 1 and 3 mg were selected as the RP3Ds. In the Phase III stage, 297 participants were randomised to efsubaglutide alfa (1 mg, n=118; 3 mg, n=117) or placebo (n=62). At week 24, the HbA CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Efsubaglutide alfa significantly improved glycaemic management and promoted weight loss in drug-naive individuals with type 2 diabetes, with a favourable safety profile. These results establish efsubaglutide alfa as a promising therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04994288 FUNDING: This study was sponsored by Innogen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Accumulation of senescent cells is a key contributor to multiple diseases across the lifespan, including metabolic dysfunction. We previously demonstrated that elimination of senescent cells using senolytic drugs alleviates obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction. However, the contribution of senescent endothelial cells to metabolic disorders remains elusive. Hence, we crossed mice that allow selective elimination of senescent cells (p16