Semaglutide, the compound in the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, dramatically reduced the risk of kidney complications, heart issues and death in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in a major clinical trial, the results of which were published on Friday.
The findings could transform how doctors treat some of the sickest patients with chronic kidney disease, which affects more than one in seven adults in the United States but has no cure.
The trial, funded by Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk, was so successful that the company stopped it early.
Dr. Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president of development, said that the company would ask the Food and Drug Administration to update Ozempic’s label to say it can also be used to reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease or complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, which occurs when the kidneys don’t function as well as they should.
Persons:
Ozempic, ”, Katherine Tuttle, Martin Holst Lange, Novo, Subramaniam Pennathur
Organizations:
University of Washington School of Medicine, Renal Association, The New England, of Medicine, Novo Nordisk, and Drug Administration, Diabetes, Michigan Medicine
Locations:
United States, Stockholm, The