Semaglutide Cuts Major Kidney Disease Risk by 24% in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Orlando, Fla., June 24, 2024 – Semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, has shown significant promise in reducing the risk of major kidney and cardiovascular events for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These findings, emerging from the landmark FLOW trial, were presented at the American Diabetes Association's 84th Scientific Sessions and concurrently published in Nature Medicine.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 37 million Americans, with diabetes being a primary risk factor. Nearly one-third of American adults with diabetes also have CKD. The FLOW trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of semaglutide, administered once weekly, in improving kidney outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with kidney and cardiovascular issues.

This global, double-blind study involved 3,533 participants who were monitored over a median period of 3.4 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 1.0 mg dose of semaglutide via injection or a placebo. Both groups continued with their standard treatment regimens. The primary focus was on measuring the incidence of major kidney issues, such as kidney failure, significant loss of kidney function, and death from kidney or cardiovascular causes.

Results from the trial revealed that those treated with semaglutide experienced a 24% reduction in the risk of the composite primary endpoint, which included severe kidney outcomes and death due to cardiovascular and kidney causes, compared to those receiving a placebo. Secondary outcomes also favored semaglutide, with notable improvements in kidney function and a reduction in major cardiovascular events by 18%. Additionally, there was a 20% reduction in all-cause mortality among the semaglutide group.

"This patient population is particularly vulnerable to severe kidney complications. Despite the availability of various treatments, there remains a significant unmet need," remarked Dr. Richard E. Pratley, Medical Director at the AdventHealth Diabetes Institute in Orlando, FL, and co-chair of the FLOW trial. "The FLOW trial’s results could potentially shift the treatment paradigm for these high-risk patients, offering new hope and strategies for managing the disease."

Future research, planned for 2024 and 2025, aims to address additional clinical questions and further explore the needs of this patient demographic.

Symposium Presentation Details:
Dr. Pratley and colleagues will discuss the findings at the symposium titled "The First Dedicated Kidney Outcome Trial with a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist—Once-Weekly Semaglutide and the FLOW Trial Results," scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1:30 PM EDT.

About the ADA's Scientific Sessions:
The ADA’s 84th Scientific Sessions, the largest scientific conference dedicated to diabetes research, prevention, and care, is taking place in Orlando, FL, from June 21-24. The event gathers over 11,000 physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals from around the globe, providing a platform for presenting breakthrough research, discussing treatment guidelines, and exploring advances towards curing diabetes.

About the American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) stands at the forefront of the fight against the diabetes epidemic in the United States. For over eight decades, the ADA has spearheaded research, treatment, and prevention efforts, striving to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes and prediabetes. Through advocacy, educational programs, and extensive research, the association remains committed to its mission of fostering better health outcomes and ultimately finding a cure for diabetes.

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