Two doses of Eli Lilly’s dulaglutide (4.5 mg and 3.0 mg), as well as Trulicity® (dulaglutide) 1.5 mg, provided significantly better blood sugar control with weight benefits for those with type two diabetes, a new study finds.

Data from the Phase 2 study was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 78th Scientific Sessions in Orlando.

“The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes often means that people must continue advancing treatment throughout the natural development of their condition,” said Juan P. Frias, M.D., President and Principal Investigator, National Research Institute. “Trulicity is an effective, once-weekly GLP-1 RA option, and this study of investigational doses shows potential in providing further improved blood glucose control without changing treatment.”

The safety and efficacy of the dulaglutide investigational doses are being studied further in a large, Phase 3 clinical trial, AWARD-11, the company said. The study is expected to wrap up next year.

In other diabetes news, Abbott announced last week that the Food and Drug Administration had cleared the Afinion HbA1c Dx assay for use with the Afinion™ AS100 Analyzer, a rapid point-of-care test to help diagnose diabetes mellitus.

The Afinion HbA1c Dx assay demonstrated accurate and reliable results comparable to those of central laboratory systems, the company said.

“Millions of people are either at risk for diabetes or unaware that they already have the condition,” said Elizabeth Balthrop, divisional vice president, Cardiometabolic and Informatics, Abbott. “With our new expanded test indication, patients at risk for diabetes can receive their assessment within minutes, allowing them to work with clinicians to customize a care plan during a single visit. This is especially impactful for patients who can’t easily access or make multiple appointments at labs and doctor’s offices.”

The Afinion HbA1c Dx test will be available in the U.S. in late 2018.