Insulin Degludec Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with diabetes, particularly those with cardiovascular disease or at risk, often struggle to achieve optimal glycaemic control, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular complications and other serious health issues.
Innovation Solution
The administration of insulin degludec in a therapeutically effective amount to subjects with diabetes and cardiovascular disease or risk factors, specifically targeting females, those of Asian or African origin, and individuals with various vascular conditions, to delay or reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If basal insulin therapy is administered to achieve optimal glycaemic control, then the risk of long-term complications is reduced, but the risk of cardiovascular events may increase due to improper insulin selection or dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting insulin degludec with specific pharmacokinetic parameters (ultra-long duration of action, stable basal levels) to resolve the contradiction between achieving glycaemic control and preventing cardiovascular events. The changed parameters of the insulin molecule enable sustained glucose control without the cardiovascular risks associated with traditional basal insulins.
2Reliability
If long-acting insulin is used to maintain stable blood glucose levels, then glycaemic control is improved, but the duration of action may be insufficient to provide continuous protection against cardiovascular events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering insulin degludec before cardiovascular events can occur, leveraging its ultra-long duration of action to provide continuous protective effect. The insulin is given in advance and maintains therapeutic levels throughout the day, preventing both hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular events without requiring frequent dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by using insulin degludec at doses that provide more than sufficient basal coverage (up to 48 hours or more of action). This excessive duration ensures that even with variations in metabolism or injection timing, the insulin maintains effective levels continuously, providing robust protection against both glycaemic instability and cardiovascular events.
3Ease of operation
If standard basal insulin therapy is administered, then diabetes treatment is provided, but specific high-risk populations (females, Asian and African origin) do not receive targeted protection against cardiovascular events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying specific high-risk populations (females, Asian and African origin) and providing them with insulin degludec therapy that has demonstrated superior cardiovascular protection in these groups. The treatment quality is localized to match the specific needs and risk profiles of these populations, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by demonstrating that insulin degludec provides dual benefits for all diabetic patients: standard glycaemic control for the general population and enhanced cardiovascular protection for high-risk groups. This single insulin formulation serves multiple functions across different patient populations, eliminating the need for separate treatment protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to insulin degludec for use in medicine.