Efficacy and safety of saroglitazar in managing hypertriglyceridemia in type-2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Saroglitazar is commonly used in India for managing hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of saroglitazar in hypertriglyceridemia.

Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving diabetes patients receiving saroglitazar in intervention arm, and placebo/lipid/diabetes medication in the control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate change in serum triglyceride and HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate changes in other lipid parameters, glycaemia and adverse effects. Analysis for lipid and glycaemic parameters were done separately for controls receiving anti-lipid medications (statins/fibrates) [active control group (ACG)] and those receiving placebo/diabetes medications [passive control group (PCG)].

Following 12 weeks therapy, individuals receiving saroglitazar had significantly lower triglycerides when compared to PCG [MD -71.67 mg/dl (95% CI: -123.67 to -19.66 mg/dl); P < 0.01; I² = 91% (considerable heterogeneity); low certainty of evidence (LCE)], but not ACG [MD -37.38 mg/dl (95% CI: -84.55-9.79 mg/dl; P = 0.12; I² = 98% (considerable heterogeneity); LCE]. Individuals receiving saroglitazar had significantly lower fasting glucose when compared to PCG [MD -24.61 mg/dl (95% CI: -44.13 to -5.09 mg/dl); P = 0.01; I² = 65% (moderate heterogeneity); LCE], but not ACG [MD -13.5 mg/dl (95% CI: -33.1-6.10 mg/dl; P = 0.18; I² = 98% (considerable heterogeneity); LCE]. HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein-B and HDL-C were not significantly different among study groups. Creatinine was significantly higher in patients receiving saroglitazar as compared to controls [MD 0.12 mg/dl (95% CI: 0.04-0.21 mg/dl); P < 0.01; I² = 29% (low heterogeneity); high certainty of evidence].

This meta-analysis reinforces the excellent triglyceride lowering of saroglitazar, but highlights significant increase in creatinine.