A new study shows that semaglutide lowers risks of major kidney and heart events in diabetes patients
A pioneering study presented at the 61st ERA Congress has demonstrated that semaglutide, the generic name for Wegovy and Ozempic, significantly reduces the risk of major kidney disease events.
It also improves cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
The FLOW (Evaluate Renal Function with Semaglutide Once Weekly) study is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled international trial involving 3,533 patients, with a median follow-up period of 3.4 years.
The trial assessed the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a once-weekly subcutaneous GLP-1 receptor agonist.
It focused on preventing major kidney outcomes, including kidney failure, substantial loss of kidney function, and death from kidney or cardiovascular causes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Patients received either semaglutide 1.0 mg once weekly or a placebo.
Participants who received semaglutide had a 24 percent risk reduction for the composite primary endpoint, which includes kidney outcomes and death due to cardiovascular and kidney causes, compared to those who received a placebo.
This risk reduction was consistent across both kidney-specific and cardiovascular death outcomes.
Secondary endpoints also showed significant improvements with semaglutide. The total eGFR slope was 1.16 ml/min/1.73m²/year slower, the risk of major cardiovascular events decreased by 18 percent, and the risk of all-cause mortality reduced by 20 percent.
Professor Vlado Perkovic commented, “The use of semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease can lower the risk of major kidney outcomes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death.”
He continued, “These benefits signify a profound clinical impact saving kidneys, hearts, and lives, for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, the reassuring safety findings further support the strong potential value of semaglutide in this population.”
Chronic kidney disease affects over 800 million people worldwide and is particularly prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Chronic kidney disease poses a significant risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular events, and death, highlighting the critical need for research into its prevention and treatment.
The FLOW trial was overseen by an academic-led Steering Committee, in partnership with the study sponsor, Novo Nordisk, which also managed trial operations. The study is being published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 61st ERA Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.
