Dapagliflozin in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors hospitalised with COVID-19 (DARE-19): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

RCT (n=1250) found treatment with dapagliflozin in this group, did not result in statistically significant risk reduction in organ dysfunction or death (11.2% vs. 13.8%, respectively, p=0.17) or improvement in clinical recovery (87.5% vs, 85.1%, p=0.14), but was well tolerated.

SPS commentary:

A commentary notes some lessons can be learned from this trial:

  • Dapagliflozin can be safely used in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors who were hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia, regardless of their diabetes status.
  • Although findings of dapagliflozin failed to show efficacy in the acute setting, SGLT2 inhibitors have a promising future not only in patients with diabetes but also in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and perhaps even in asymptomatic people.
  • A trial done in the middle of a pandemic in such a short time is not an easy task and the authors should take credit for adding evidence when it was most needed.
  • Regardless of the significance of the primary hypothesis, the authors adequately tested whether dapagliflozin was effective and safe in hospitalised patients with cardiometabolic risk factors and COVID-19.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology

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