Lower Risk of CV Events and Death Associated with Initiation of SGLT2 vs. DPP-4 Inhibitors—Analysis from the CVD-REAL 2 Study

DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors are widely used in T2D. Clinical trials demonstrated lower risk of CV events with SGLT2i, and a neutral effect on CV events with DPP-4i. However, large comparative studies are lacking. We compared the risk of death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), MI and stroke in patients starting the SGLT2i dapagliflozin (DAPA) vs. any DPP-4i, using real world data from S. Korea, Japan, Israel, and Canada. Patients initiating DAPA or DPP-4i were identified via national registries, claims, and medical records. Propensity scores for SGLT2i initiation were developed in each country, with 1:1 matching. Hazard ratios were assessed by country and pooled using weighted meta-analysis, with an intent-to-treat approach. In total, 128,066 patients were included (mean age 55 years, 46% women, 25% with history of CVD). Post-match, baseline characteristics were balanced across matched groups. Initiation of DAPA vs. DPP-4i was associated with significantly lower risk of death, HHF, MI and stroke (Figure 1). In a large cohort of T2D patients seen in clinical practice across 4 countries, 75% without established CVD, initiation of DAPA was associated with lower risk of CV events (including stroke) and death compared with DPP-4i.