Washington: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients who also have Type 2 diabetes. This approval allows Ozempic to be utilized in reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease, kidney failure, and cardiovascular-related death in patients with both chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

According to Qatar News Agency, the FDA’s decision could revolutionize the treatment approach for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function. Chronic kidney disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Novo Nordisk highlighted that approximately 40% of patients with Type 2 diabetes are affected by the condition, which also raises the risk of cardiovascular issues and mortality.

In a late-stage trial that led to the approval, Ozempic demonstrated a 24% reduction in severe kidney outcomes, including kidney failure, reduced kidney function, or death from kidney or heart causes in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease, compared to a placebo. Additionally, patients who administered Ozempic experienced a slower decline in kidney function, an 18% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, and a 20% reduction in mortality from any cause compared to those given a placebo. The risk of deaths related to cardiovascular issues was reduced by 29% among Ozempic users.

Stephen Gough, Novo Nordisk’s global chief medical officer, noted the unfortunate association between cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. He emphasized that current major treatments for early signs of chronic kidney disease focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors, particularly through managing blood pressure.