Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication, Ozempic, has shown promising results in delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with diabetes, according to a recent, large, late-stage study. The research findings not only highlight the efficacy of Ozempic in reducing the risk of death from kidney disease and major cardiac events by 24%, but also underlines the broader potential of GLP-1 class drugs, traditionally used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, in addressing complex health conditions beyond their initial purposes.

Efficacy and impact

The study underscores a significant breakthrough in the treatment of CKD, which affects approximately 40% of individuals with type 2 diabetes, translating to around 700 million patients globally. In fact, Novo Nordisk decided to halt the trial nearly a year ahead of schedule, due to the clear success in CKD management indicated by an interim analysis. 

Along with diabetes, cardiovascular disease is one of the top causes of CKD, as well as the primary cause of death among people living with the condition. The success of the recent trial is particularly notable as it demonstrates a significant reduction in the progression of CKD, alongside a decrease in cardiovascular and kidney death rates among those treated with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and certain other drugs (Wegovy, Rybelsus) in the GLP-1 drug class that mimics hormones for insulin control, appetite control, and weight management. 

Next steps

Novo Nordisk’s next step is to submit an application to both U.S. FDA and European Union regulators to expand Ozempic’s range of use as a treatment on its label. These new developments have also spurred competition, with Eli Lilly enrolling patients for a trial to explore the benefits of Mounjaro (active ingredient: tirzepatide), Lilly’s own GLP-1 drug class therapy for CKD, highlighting the growing interest in this area of medical research.

*Jacobsen, S., and Fick, M. (2024, March 5). Novo kidney trial finds Ozempic cuts cardiac deaths in diabetics. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-ozempic-trial-delays-progression-chronic-kidney-disease-2024-03-05/ 

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