Indirect comparisons (ICs) of once weekly dulaglutide (DU) plus metformin (MET) versus sulphonylureas (SU) plus MET in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from AWARD-5

Objective: German “Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA)” determined SU+MET as a comparator for DU+MET. ICs examined the relative efficacy and safety of these regimens in adult patients with T2D. Methods: Randomised controlled trials (n = 3) were identified by systematic review for ICs with AWARD-5 data; Sitagliptin+MET was the bridging comparator. Eligibility criteria for this second-order IC (Bucher method) included: appropriate comparators; ≥24 weeks' duration; German label doses used; relevant endpoints reported; similar baseline characteristics. DU 1.5 mg was compared with SU at weeks 26/30 (glimepiride), 52 (…