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Exploring evidence of SGLT2 inhibitors use in Southeast Asia: a systematic review | medRxiv /* */ /* */ <!-- <!-- /*! * yepnope1.5.4 * (c) WTFPL, GPLv2 */ (function(a,b,c){function d(a){return"[object Function]"==o.call(a)}function e(a){return"string"==typeof a}function f(){}function g(a){return!a||"loaded"==a||"complete"==a||"uninitialized"==a}function h(){var a=p.shift();q=1,a?a.t?m(function(){("c"==a.t?B.injectCss:B.injectJs)(a.s,0,a.a,a.x,a.e,1)},0):(a(),h()):q=0}function i(a,c,d,e,f,i,j){function k(b){if(!o&&g(l.readyState)&&(u.r=o=1,!q&&h(),l.onload=l.onreadystatechange=null,b)){"img"!=a&&m(function(){t.removeChild(l)},50);for(var d in y[c])y[c].hasOwnProperty(d)&&y[c][d].onload()}}var j=j||B.errorTimeout,l=b.createElement(a),o=0,r=0,u={t:d,s:c,e:f,a:i,x:j};1===y[c]&&(r=1,y[c]=[]),"object"==a?l.data=c:(l.src=c,l.type=a),l.width=l.height="0",l.onerror=l.onload=l.onreadystatechange=function(){k.call(this,r)},p.splice(e,0,u),"img"!=a&&(r||2===y[c]?(t.insertBefore(l,s?null:n),m(k,j)):y[c].push(l))}function j(a,b,c,d,f){return q=0,b=b||"j",e(a)?i("c"==b?v:u,a,b,this.i++,c,d,f):(p.splice(this.i++,0,a),1==p.length&&h()),this}function k(){var a=B;return a.loader={load:j,i:0},a}var l=b.documentElement,m=a.setTimeout,n=b.getElementsByTagName("script")[0],o={}.toString,p=[],q=0,r="MozAppearance"in l.style,s=r&&!!b.createRange().compareNode,t=s?l:n.parentNode,l=a.opera&&"[object Opera]"==o.call(a.opera),l=!!b.attachEvent&&!l,u=r?"object":l?"script":"img",v=l?"script":u,w=Array.isArray||function(a){return"[object Array]"==o.call(a)},x=[],y={},z={timeout:function(a,b){return b.length&&(a.timeout=b[0]),a}},A,B;B=function(a){function b(a){var a=a.split("!"),b=x.length,c=a.pop(),d=a.length,c={url:c,origUrl:c,prefixes:a},e,f,g;for(f=0;f<d;f++)g=a[f].split("="),(e=z[g.shift()])&&(c=e(c,g));for(f=0;f<b;f++)c=x[f](c);return c}function g(a,e,f,g,h){var i=b(a),j=i.autoCallback;i.url.split(".").pop().split("?").shift(),i.bypass||(e&&(e=d(e)?e:e[a]||e[g]||e[a.split("/").pop().split("?")[0]]),i.instead?i.instead(a,e,f,g,h):(y[i.url]?i.noexec=!0:y[i.url]=1,f.load(i.url,i.forceCSS||!i.forceJS&&"css"==i.url.split(".").pop().split("?").shift()?"c":c,i.noexec,i.attrs,i.timeout),(d(e)||d(j))&&f.load(function(){k(),e&&e(i.origUrl,h,g),j&&j(i.origUrl,h,g),y[i.url]=2})))}function h(a,b){function c(a,c){if(a){if(e(a))c||(j=function(){var a=[].slice.call(arguments);k.apply(this,a),l()}),g(a,j,b,0,h);else if(Object(a)===a)for(n in m=function(){var b=0,c;for(c in a)a.hasOwnProperty(c)&&b++;return b}(),a)a.hasOwnProperty(n)&&(!c&&!--m&&(d(j)?j=function(){var a=[].slice.call(arguments);k.apply(this,a),l()}:j[n]=function(a){return function(){var b=[].slice.call(arguments);a&&a.apply(this,b),l()}}(k[n])),g(a[n],j,b,n,h))}else!c&&l()}var h=!!a.test,i=a.load||a.both,j=a.callback||f,k=j,l=a.complete||f,m,n;c(h?a.yep:a.nope,!!i),i&&c(i)}var i,j,l=this.yepnope.loader;if(e(a))g(a,0,l,0);else if(w(a))for(i=0;i (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];var j=d.createElement(s);var dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.src='//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;j.type='text/javascript';j.async=true;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-P4HH5NV'); Skip to main content Home About Submit ALERTS / RSS Search for this keyword Advanced Search Exploring evidence of SGLT2 inhibitors use in Southeast Asia: a systematic review View ORCID Profile Wei Jin Wong , Ying Zhang , Christopher Harrison , Kit Mun Tan , Mark Woodward , View ORCID Profile Tu Nguyen doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.02.25330722 Wei Jin Wong 1 Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site ORCID record for Wei Jin Wong For correspondence: weijin.wong{at}sydney.edu.au Ying Zhang 1 Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site Christopher Harrison 1 Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site Kit Mun Tan 2 Faculty of Medicine , Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site Mark Woodward 3 The George Institute for Global Health , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 4 The George Institute for Global Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London , London, United Kingdom Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site Tu Nguyen 1 Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 The George Institute for Global Health , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Find this author on Google Scholar Find this author on PubMed Search for this author on this site ORCID record for Tu Nguyen Abstract Full Text Info/History Metrics Data/Code Preview PDF Abstract Background The benefits of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are increasingly recognized, not only in the management of diabetes but also in cardiovascular and renal conditions. However, evidence regarding SGLT2 inhibitor use in Southeast Asian populations remains limited and has yet to be systematically reviewed. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase from database inception until 21 October 2024. Studies were included if they were conducted in adults living in Southeast Asian countries and contained information on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. Results A total of 23 studies were included. These studies were conducted in only 5 out of 11 countries in the region (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). Among these 23 studies, 12 were conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes, 7 in patients with heart failure, and 4 in patients with chronic kidney disease. Thirteen studies focused on economic evaluations. Limited evidence from these 5 countries suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors appear to be safe, effective, and are likely to be cost-effective and cost-saving. Conclusions Published evidence in Southeast Asian countries showed that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment may offer promising benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Further research is needed to understand the availability and affordability, as well as the safety, of SGLT2 inhibitors, taking into consideration the effect of ageing and frailty in this region. In addition, key region-specific factors, such as genetic variations, healthcare infrastructure, and cultural considerations remain to be addressed. Introduction Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become an important, effective choice of therapy for the treatment and management of diabetes. 1 , 2 These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the renal proximal convoluted tubule, which promotes their excretion and helps manage blood glucose levels effectively. 1 SGLT2 inhibitors were first introduced to clinical practice about a decade ago, beginning with canagliflozin, which received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In 2014, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were approved, followed by sotagliflozin and bexagliflozin in 2023. 1 , 2 Beyond its role in glycemic management, SGLT2 inhibitors have also demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits. 3 – 5 These benefits include a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and delay in progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with type 2 diabetes. 6 In 2019, the Dapagliflozin in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (DAPA-HF) trial showed that the risk of worsening HF or death from cardiovascular causes was lower among participants who received dapagliflozin treatment compared to placebo. 7 Published in 2022, the Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction (DELIVER) trial reported that dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death in patients with HF and a mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. 8 The DELIVER Investigators noted the necessity for further research in other populations, such as ethnically diverse groups. 8 Similar findings in patients with HF were also reported with another SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, in the EMPEROR-Preserved trial. 9 Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors have also been associated with potential improvements of hepatic steatosis and/or fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 10 Along with its glycemic benefits, these additional therapeutic effects make SGLT2 inhibitors an important treatment of choice for diabetes and its associated comorbidities. While the clinical efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors have been well-established in Western populations, their use in Southeast Asia warrants further investigation due to the region’s unique demographic, genetic, environmental, and healthcare characteristics. The Southeast Asia region is experiencing an increasing burden of type 2 diabetes, driven by rapid urbanization, changes in dietary habits, and decreasing physical activity. 11 With Asia being recognized as the epicentre of the global type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemic, the prevalence of diabetes is particularly evident in Southeast Asia. 12 For example, Indonesia was ranked fifth globally in terms of number of people living with diabetes, with an estimated 19.5 million people in 2021. 13 Type 2 diabetes was also found to have a greater impact as a comorbidity in patients in the Southeast Asia when compared to those in Western countries. For example, Banks et al. reported that diabetes was 3 times more prevalent in Singaporean patients with HF compared to their Swedish counterparts, and more strongly associated with poor outcomes. 14 Southeast Asia also has a high burden of CKD 15 and one of the highest rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. 12 Countries in the Southeast Asia region are also experiencing an ongoing epidemiological transition with a growing population of older people. 16 In older people, the presence of geriatric conditions, such as frailty, multimorbidity, malnutrition, polypharmacy, and disability, can significantly complicate the management of diabetes. 17 , 18 Concurrently, the region also faces significant healthcare disparities, including varying access to modern medications and healthcare services, especially in rural and lower- income settings. 16 As identified by O’Hara et al. 19 , further exploration is needed regarding the access to, and use of, SGLT2 inhibitors in low- to middle-income countries and underserved populations. Data examining the use of SGLT2 inhibitors are limited in Southeast Asia. Lifestyle, cultural, social factors and biological traits may influence the uptake and effect of SGLT2 inhibitors. Thus, there is a need for population-specific evaluations in the use of medicines. A recent expert panel statement from Asia-Pacific countries 20 highlighted the low utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors in many countries, despite the growing evidence of their usefulness, particularly in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this paper seeks to review the existing data on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in Southeast Asian countries in order to provide an update on how SGLT2 inhibitors are currently used in the region. Methods A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in the following databases from inception until 21 October 2024: (1) Ovid Medline, (2) Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, and (3) Embase. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. 21 The term used for search was ‘sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors’, which was then combined with the names of the Southeast Asian countries. For this review, Southeast Asian countries that were included follows the regional grouping in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The 11 included countries were (in alphabetical order) Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. Details of the search strategy are as below: #1 (Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 inhibitors) OR (Sodium glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitor) OR (Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor) OR (Sodium dependent glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor) OR (SGLT-2 inhibitors) OR (Gliflozins) OR (Gliflozin) OR (Canagliflozin) OR (Empagliflozin) OR (Ertugliflozin) OR (Sotagliflozin) OR (Dapagliflozin) OR (Ipragliflozin) OR (Lusegliflozin) OR (Tofogliflozin) #2 (Brunei) OR (Burma) OR (Burmese) OR (Cambodia) OR (Cambodian) OR (Indonesia) OR (Indonesian) OR (Laos) OR (Malaysia) OR (Malaysian) OR (Myanmar) OR (Philippines) OR (Filipino) OR (Singapore) OR (Singaporean) OR (Southeast Asia) OR (Thailand) OR (Thai) OR (Timor Leste) OR (Vietnam) OR (Vietnamese) #3 Search: #1 AND #2 Studies were included if (1) they were conducted in countries in Southeast Asia and (2) explored the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. The exclusion criteria were animal studies, abstract only, case reports, and systematic reviews. Multi-country studies that included Southeast Asian countries as part of their study sites were also excluded if they did not provide results for a specific country in Southeast Asia. Results from the search were managed using Covidence®. Study titles and abstracts were screened independently by two members of the research team, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The full texts of qualified publications were read and selected for the final decision to include after discussion among these two reviewers. Any disagreement was solved by discussion with the third member of the team. We extracted information on the study design, country/countries where participants were recruited, the type of SGLT2 inhibitors, study populations (sample size, age, the main disease of interest), study aims and findings. For studies conducted in older adults (aged 60 years or above), we also searched for data related to frailty, an important geriatric syndrome that can affect the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors. 22 The results of this review were summarized narratively. Results Description of the included studies A total of 23 eligible studies were included in this review, following the screening of 288 publication records ( Figure 1 ). There were 8 from Thailand 23 – 30 , 7 from Malaysia 31 – 37 , 6 from Singapore 38 – 43 , 1 from Philippines 44 and 1 study 45 that was conducted in three Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam). Among the included studies, 12 studies were conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes 23 – 27 , 31 – 33 , 38 – 41 , 7 studies in patients with heart failure 28 , 29 , 34 – 36 , 42 , 44 , and 4 studies in patients with chronic kidney disease 30 , 37 , 43 , 45 . The types of SGLT2 inhibitors that were used in these studies were canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin ( Table 1 ). In terms of study designs, 9 were observational studies 25 – 27 , 32 , 38 – 41 , 43 , 1 was a randomized controlled trial 33 and 13 were economic evaluation studies 23 , 24 , 28 – 31 , 34 – 37 , 42 , 44 , 45 . The sample sizes of these observational studies ranged from 57 40 to 67,556 38 (with 3 studies 32 , 40 , 41 having less than 100 participants). In terms of age, 5 studies 23 , 28 – 30 , 36 were conducted in older adults (aged 60 years or above), while the remaining studies were in adult populations. Among the 5 studies conducted in older adults, there was no data related to frailty. Download figure Open in new tab Figure 1. PRISMA flowchart View this table: View inline View popup Table 1. Summary of the 23 studies included in this review Economic evaluations Among the 13 studies that focused on the economic evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitors, 6 studies 31 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 45 were cost-effectiveness analyses, 5 studies 24 , 28 – 30 , 44 were cost-utility analyses, 1 study 23 was a combination of cost-utility and budget impact analysis and 1 study 35 was a budget impact analysis. Overall, 3 studies 23 , 24 , 30 adopted a societal perspective as part of their evaluation, while the remaining 10 studies 28 , 29 , 31 , 34 – 37 , 42 , 44 , 45 utilizing the perspectives of the healthcare systems or providers. Of these 13 studies, 12 studies 23 , 24 , 28 – 31 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 44 , 45 adopted a discount rate of 3% (in accordance with current practices 46 for economic evaluation). The remaining study was a budget impact analysis 35 that was conducted without discounting as per guidelines. 47 Discount rates are sometimes applied in economic evaluation as costs and benefits of health interventions may occur at different time points and valued differently. 48 Economic evaluations usually consider a discount rate of 3-6%. 49 SGLT2 inhibitors were demonstrated to be cost-effective or cost-saving in 11 out of the 13 studies, 28 – 31 , 34 – 37 , 42 , 44 , 45 while 2 studies 23 , 24 conducted in Thailand suggested that it would not be cost-effective in the Thai context. Deerochanawong et al. 24 conducted an economic evaluation of add-on dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, and found that this was not cost-effective. Similarly, Kongmalai et al. 23 evaluated the addition of SGLT2 inhibitors to standard of care for treating patients with type 2 diabetes and HF and found it to be not cost-effective. Kongmalai et al. proposed a price reduction for SGLT2 inhibitors by 55.6% to make these medications cost-effective. 23 The potential reason for the inconsistent findings of these 2 studies compared to the other 11 studies could be due to the methodology. The societal perspective was applied in these 2 studies, while the healthcare system perspective was adopted in other studies. However, the third study (also conducted in Thailand) that considered a societal perspective showed that the addition of dapagliflozin was cost saving. 30 Vareesangthip conducted a cost-utility analysis of dapagliflozin as an add-on to current therapy in patients with or without T2DM who had an eGFR of 25-75mL/min per 1.73m 2 of body surface area and a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 200-5000mg/g. 30 In this instance, the benefit of dapagliflozin was slowing the progression of CKD and decreasing the possibility of the need for dialysis and kidney transplantation which offset the costs associated with dapagliflozin therapy. 30 Safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors Of the 23 included studies, 10 studies 25 – 27 , 32 , 33 , 38 – 41 , 43 (9 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial) aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in the Southeast Asian populations. The common side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors reported in these studies were genitourinary infections, like urinary tract infections, hypoglycemia and potential dehydration. Uitrakul and colleagues conducted a study in 853 patients with type 2 diabetes in Thailand and found that the incidence of urinary tract infection was significantly higher in those who used SGLT2 inhibitors than non-users (33.5% vs 11.7%). 26 Regarding dehydration and hypoglycemia, most studies concluded that the risks of these side effects were not increased in SGLT2 inhibitor users compared to non-users, even during fasting periods. 32 , 33 SGLT2 inhibitor use was also not associated with increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis during Ramadan fasting. 32 , 41 The only randomized controlled trial in this review aimed to assess whether switching from sulfonylurea to a dapagliflozin in the fasting month of Ramadan resulted in a reduction in hypoglycemia. 33 The study reported that fewer patients exhibited hypoglycemia in the dapagliflozin group than in the sulfonylurea group. 33 Regarding the clinical benefits, a study in Singapore reported an association between ≥ 3 years of SGLT2 inhibitor use and improved cognitive scores. 39 Two studies in Singapore and Thailand reported that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors was more effective than non-use in reducing HbA1c, body weight and systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. 27 , 40 Similar findings were reported in another study in Singapore where SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was associated with significantly (p<0.001) lower mean HbA1c than those initiated on DPP4- inhibitors, although the difference (7.54% vs 7.68%) was modest. 38 SGLT2 inhibitor initiation was also associated with fewer hospitalizations and deaths up to one-year post-initiation. 38 A study of 4,446 patients with type 2 diabetes in Singapore 43 found that SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated protective effects on chronic kidney disease progression, with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for developing end stage kidney disease of 0.33 (0.17 - 0.65), compared to non-use of SGLT2 inhibitors. Discussion We have conducted the first systematic review of studies examining the use of SLGT2 inhibitors among adults living in Southeast Asian countries. Our findings indicate that evidence related to the use of SGLT2 inhibitors is still limited in this region. Previous studies have focused on the cost-effectiveness, efficacy and safety of SLGT2 inhibitors. There were no studies that examined the availability of these medications in the region. Limited evidence, from just 5 out of 11 countries in the region (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors appear to be safe, effective, and are likely to be cost-effective but inconsistent findings exist across populations. The lack of robust evidence underscores a significant gap in our understanding of access to SGLT2 inhibitors in the region. Although evidence suggests that the cardiovascular and renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors observed in global trials may be generalizable to Southeast Asian populations 50 , further local studies are necessary to confirm these findings. There has been evidence of the influence of racial, ethnic and regional groups on the effect of SGTL2 inhibitors. A 2024 meta-analysis of 7 trials comparing SGLT2 inhibitors vs placebo reported consistent benefits observed among White and Asian populations, and a lack of benefits in Black and other populations: HRs for major adverse cardiovascular events were 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 – 0.98) among White participants, 0.69 (95% CI 0.53 – 0.92) among Asian participants, 1.11 (95% CI 0.82 – 1.51) among Black participants, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.52 – 1.35) among other race. 51 A 2025 meta- analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials of 94,445 participants demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors showed consistent efficacy on the studied outcomes (composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, composite of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease progression, major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, all-cause death) across three pre-specified racial groups of Asian, Black and White, except for heart failure hospitalization. 52 The efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors on heart failure hospitalization was more pronounced in Black and Asian patients compared to White patients. 52 . However, there were no studies from Southeast Asian countries in these meta-analyses. This review revealed that there have been limited studies on SGLT2 inhibitors in older adults in Southeast Asia, and there has been no evidence on the use of this drug class in those with frailty. Further studies are needed to provide region-specific data on the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in these populations. Evidence from the literature so far has shown that SGLT2 inhibitors are effective and safe in frail patients compared to non-frail patients. Post- hoc analyses from major trials on SGLT2 inhibitors, such as the DAPA-HF 53 , DELIVER 54 , EMPEROR-Preserved (Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) 55 , DAPA-CKD (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease) 56 , the CANVAS program and the CREDENCE trial, 22 showed that the benefit of these medications was consistent across the spectrum of frailty, with no significant difference in safety. However, most of the trial participants were recruited from more developed countries, limiting generalizability to the local settings in many low- and middle-income countries in the Southeast Asia. This uncertainty can be a challenge for local clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions accounting for the genetic, environmental and healthcare differences. To address these gaps, targeted local clinical trials and more observational studies are needed to further evaluate both the therapeutic benefits and safety profiles of SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in older populations in Southeast Asia. This can include pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, as variations in metabolism and body composition may influence drug response. Furthermore, regionally adapted clinical guidelines and prescribed education are important to support cautious and individualized use. Without this, the growing population of older adults with diabetes in Southeast Asia may be underserved, potentially missing out on meaningful reductions in cardiovascular and renal morbidity, and further exacerbating health inequities. Preliminary findings showed that SGLT2 inhibitors seem to be cost-effective for patients in the region. Economic evaluation of new and useful medicines likes SGLT2 inhibitors are important, particularly in areas of limited resources that are sometimes faced by low- to middle-income countries. Despite the clear clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, several barriers hinder their widespread adoption in Southeast Asia. One of the most significant challenges is the cost of these medications 19 , which limits patient access. The upcoming availability of generic SGLT2 inhibitors may help reduce access barriers by providing a more affordable cost. For example, generic versions of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin were recently made available in Malaysia. Another challenge is the uneven healthcare infrastructure across Southeast Asia. Access to healthcare and medications varies greatly between urban and rural areas, with rural populations often experiencing limited access to essential healthcare services, including regular monitoring of renal function, a crucial consideration when using SGLT2 inhibitors. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, coupled with a lack of healthcare worker education regarding the newer pharmacological treatments 20 , may contribute to underutilization or suboptimal use of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical practice. In economic evaluations in healthcare, analysis is conducted from a viewpoint or perspective. Examples of these perspectives can include patient, healthcare provider, health system or societal. There are variations in methodological approaches and applications of the different perspectives. The societal approach is the broadest perspective and includes all healthcare related costs and potentially other indirect costs as well. 57 There is no one-size-fits-all as to which perspective should be used as it has its merits, depending on the intended use of the analysis and who is it for (eg. policymaker, context). 57 For Thailand, the Thai Health Technology Assessment guidelines recommend using a societal perspective for economic evaluations. 58 With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its impact in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region 13 , policymakers can further explore innovative ways for financing to further help improve access to SGLT2 inhibitors. Despite existing challenges, there are substantial opportunities to increase the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in Southeast Asia. As economic development continues in many countries in the region, access to healthcare and modern medications is expected to improve. Increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, could facilitate better management of diabetes and related comorbidities, improving access to SGLT2 inhibitors. Furthermore, as the prevalence of T2DM, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease continues to rise in Southeast Asia 59 there is an urgent need for effective interventions that target both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction. Additionally, the potential usefulness of SGLT inhibitors for improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease provides another opportunity given that the region is experiencing an increasing trend of obesity. 60 Countries in the Southeast Asian region have been reported to have some of the fastest growing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome globally 61 as such, the increased use of SGLT2 inhibitors offers much possibilities. SGLT2 inhibitors, with their demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, may become an integral part of the therapeutic arm in managing T2DM and heart failure in this region. Enhanced awareness campaigns for healthcare providers and patients about the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors could promote their use. Finally, future clinical trials specifically designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors with a substantial number of participants in Southeast Asian countries are essential. These studies would provide more granular data on ethnic-specific responses to SGLT2 inhibitors, helping to refine treatment guidelines and inform clinical practice in the region. Strengths and limitations To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to summarize the evidence of research on SGLT2 inhibitors among adults living in Southeast Asian countries. The literature search conducted across three large databases, ensured a comprehensive collection of studies. The inclusion criteria and methodologies applied were designed to minimize bias and maximize the relevance of the studies obtained. However, our study has several limitations. The literature search was limited to studies published in English, omitting studies published in local languages. There may be inconsistencies among the reviewers during the study selection and data extraction phases. To address this, we have adhered strictly to the review protocol and maintained regular communications and cross-checks among team members to reduce any potential discrepancies. Conclusion This study highlighted the need for further studies on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in Southeast Asian population. Limited evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment may offer promising benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease in the region. Further research is needed to understand the availability and affordability, as well as the safety of SGLT2 inhibitors, taking into consideration the effect of ageing and frailty in this region. In addition, region-specific factors such as genetic variations, healthcare infrastructure, cost, and cultural considerations should be addressed to optimize their use. With ongoing research, improved healthcare delivery, and greater access to medications, SGLT2 inhibitors have the potential to significantly impact the treatment of T2DM and related comorbidities in Southeast Asia. Data Availability All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors References 1. ↵ Usman MS , Siddiqi TJ , Memon MM , et al. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis . Eur J Prev Cardiol 2018 ; 25 ( 5 ): 495 – 502 . OpenUrl CrossRef PubMed 2. ↵ Rådholm K , Wu JH , Wong MG , et al. 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