Novo's Ozempic reduces death risk by 20% in diabetic kidney disease patients

Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (semaglutide) has shown significant promise in reducing the risk of death among individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to findings from the FLOW trial, presented at the European Renal Association (ERA) congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), Ozempic reduced the risk of death by 20% compared to a placebo.

Study investigator Vlado Perkovic emphasized that these findings build on the preliminary results announced in March. He stated that the trial's outcomes "offer great promise in reshaping treatment strategies for individuals at high risk of diabetes-related complications, offering a new avenue for kidney and cardiovascular protection."

The FLOW study initially achieved its primary endpoint, as announced by Novo Nordisk in October of the previous year. A 1mg dose of Ozempic was shown to significantly and statistically reduce the progression of kidney disease, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and death in comparison to a placebo. Earlier results released this year indicated that the GLP-1 analogue reduced the risk of kidney disease-related events by 24% compared to a placebo. Both the CKD and cardiovascular components of the primary endpoint contributed to this risk reduction.

The recent results further validate Ozempic’s efficacy, not only in reducing all-cause mortality but also in decreasing the risk of major cardiovascular events by 18% over a placebo. The total eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) slope was found to be 1.16 ml/min/1.73m²/year slower in the Ozempic group compared to the placebo group. Additionally, for the primary endpoint, the findings were consistent for a composite of the kidney-specific components, with a hazard ratio (HR). For death from cardiovascular causes, the HR was 0.71.

Perkovic noted that these benefits represent a considerable clinical impact. He remarked, "these benefits signify a profound clinical impact saving kidneys, hearts and lives for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease."

Overall, the results from the FLOW trial underline the potential of Ozempic to significantly alter the treatment landscape for patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. As these findings get integrated into clinical practice, they may lead to improved outcomes for patients facing the dual challenges of diabetes and kidney disease. The demonstrated reduction in both kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events provides a dual benefit that could transform patient care and treatment protocols in the future.