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Imeglimin Treatment May Improve Whole-Blood Fluidity and Influence Hemorheology in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Post Hoc Analysis of the INFINITY Study

Osonoi T, Shirabe S, Saito M, Hosoya M, Watahiki N, Shiozawa N, Douguchi S, Ofuchi K et al.

Journal of personalized medicine, 2026

25 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) frequently exhibit impaired erythrocyte deformability, which contributes to microvascular dysfunction. We previously reported that imeglimin, a mitochondrial-targeted antidiabetic agent, prolongs erythrocyte lifespan. This study investigated the effects of imeglimin on whole-blood fluidity and its clinical implications in patients with T2D. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the INFINITY study included 25 patients with T2D who completed 6 months of imeglimin treatment (2000 mg/day) followed by a 3-month follow-up. Whole-blood fluidity was assessed by measuring whole-blood passage time using a microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN). Hematological parameters, glycemic markers, and vascular indices, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and toe-brachial index (TBI), were also assessed. Results: Whole-blood fluidity, assessed by 3-month averages of whole-blood passage time, showed an improvement trend at Months 1-3 (p = 0.058) and a significant improvement at Months 4-6 (p = 0.016) compared with baseline; this effect was reversed after discontinuation. Erythrocyte lifespan significantly increased by 10-20% during treatment and remained prolonged after discontinuation. Conversely, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit decreased during treatment and returned toward baseline post-discontinuation. At Month 6, baPWV increased, and TBI decreased, both showing reversibility after treatment cessation.…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.

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