Diabetes drug dapagliflozin recommended by NICE for chronic kidney disease
pharmafile | November 8, 2021 | News story | Sales and Marketing |
A study published in the journal Lancet states that a common diabetes drug may be an option for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. NICE has recommended dapagliflozin as an option for treating certain individuals with CKD in new draft guidance.
Dapagliflozin belongs to a group of medicines known as sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These inhibitors work by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which alleviates kidney damage by reducing pressure and inflammation. It also helps to stop protein from leaking into the urine, and reduces blood pressure and body weight.
According to NICE, adding dapagliflozin to current standard care has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of having declining kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, or dying from causes related from the kidneys and cardiovascular system. It is estimated by the company that there are around 91,000 in England who could be eligible for this treatment.
CKD is often caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys including diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney infections. A clinical trial of 4304 participants with CKD revealed that dapagliflozin reduces the rate of kidney function decline.
Meindert Boysen, deputy chief executive and director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said: “Dapagliflozin is a promising treatment for certain people with chronic disease and it has the potential to increase the length of time before the disease gets worse. Our independent appraisal committee heard from people with the disease who said that further options which prevented the progress of the disease would offer real hope and a much-improved quality of life. Alongside standard care, dapagliflozin has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease.”
Ana Ovey
