Research project to examine for type 2 diabetes could reduce heart problems

Researchers have announced details of a new study to explore new approaches in hypertension treatment and investigate the long-term effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on cardiovascular and kidney health.

The European research project SGLT2 HYPE (SGLT2 inhibition for cardiovascular reduction in HYPErtension) was recently launched, backed by €6.99 million (£5.83 million) in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.

The study will be carried out by an interdisciplinary consortium made up of 17 partners from 13 European countries, including academic institutions, health economics experts, cardiovascular societies, and patient organisations.

Together, they aim to develop innovative therapeutic strategies that could significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people living with hypertension.

The study will involve more than 3,000 people with hypertension who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Participants will receive either the SGLT2 inhibitor Dapagliflozin (10 mg) or, if assigned to the control group, a placebo, in addition to their standard treatment.

The primary goal of researchers in the study will be to determine whether the medication can prevent serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.
The study will also assess whether patients experience an improvement in their quality of life. The trial will be conducted over seven years at 53 medical centres across Europe.

Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor often prescribed as a treatment to lower blood sugar levels to people living with type 2 diabetes.

The NHS said: “Dapagliflozin is usually prescribed for type 2 diabetes if you cannot take metformin, or if metformin is no longer keeping your blood sugar level under control.

“It can be prescribed on its own or in combination with some of these other medicines.

“SGLT2 inhibitors all work by increasing the amount of sugar removed from your body when you pee.

“These medicines can cause urinary tract infections because of the way they work.”

The study will look at the long-term effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on cardiovascular and kidney health.

According to researchers, hypertension is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases, affecting more 80 million people in the EU. Older adults are particularly at risk, and despite existing treatment options, the risk of developing severe complications, such as heart failure or kidney disease, is high.

Professor Ingo Eitel, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine II at UKSH, Campus Lübeck, and principal investigator of the study, said: “The SGLT2 HYPE study offers a unique opportunity to generate new, evidence-based insights for hypertension treatment. It has the potential to provide millions of patients with a safer and more effective therapy.”

Dr Elias Rawish, coordinating investigator of the study, said: “We need robust scientific evidence to determine whether Dapagliflozin not only lowers blood pressure but also sustainably reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and premature death.”

Researchers outlined their hopes for the project: “Previous studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can lower blood pressure while providing protective effects for the heart and kidneys. However, it remains unclear whether these benefits translate into a long-term reduction in severe health complications. The SGLT2 HYPE study aims to fill this research gap by determining whether these medications can sustainably improve the health outcomes of people with hypertension

“If the positive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are confirmed, this could lead to a fundamental shift in hypertension treatment. The potential benefits include preventing over 250,000 premature deaths annually and reducing the financial burden on the EU healthcare system by up to €10 billion per year.”