New FDA Approval: Ozempic Gets Nod For Kidney Protection In Type 2 Diabetes (Image Credits: iStock)
A widely used diabetes medication has just received significant new approval, potentially changing the lives of millions of Americans at risk of kidney failure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved Ozempic to help reduce the risk of severe kidney complications in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
How It Can Be A Game-Changer for Kidney Health
Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States. Until now, treatment options for preventing kidney failure in these patients have been limited. With this new approval, doctors can now prescribe Ozempic to lower the risk of kidney failure, dialysis, and death from heart-related complications in high-risk patients.
“Over the last 20 years, it’s been an area where researchers tried hard but delivered very little,” said Dr Stephen Gough, senior vice president of global medical affairs at Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic. “To have something new like this is really exciting and offers promise to patients.”
Ozempic has already been used to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The latest FDA approval is based on research showing that people with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who took Ozempic had a 24 per cent lower risk of kidney-related complications, such as needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. Additionally, the study found that these patients experienced a slower decline in kidney function and were less likely to die from heart problems.
“The more we can delay the decline in kidney function, the better,” said Dr. Melanie Hoenig, a kidney specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This leads to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which can cause long-term damage to organs, including the kidneys. Several factors contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, including:
- Obesity and Unhealthy Diet – Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can also raise the risk.
- Lack of Physical Activity – A sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Genetics and Family History – If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing the condition is higher.
- Age – While type 2 diabetes can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after the age of 45.
- High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol – These conditions can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes-related complications, including kidney disease.
Challenges with Ozempic Availability
Although Ozempic is often associated with weight loss, it is primarily approved for blood sugar control. Researchers believe that the medication may also reduce inflammation in the kidneys, contributing to its new protective benefits.
Doctors typically prescribe medications to manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to help protect kidney function. However, treatment options remain limited, making Ozempic’s approval a significant breakthrough.
Despite its benefits, there’s a growing concern over the availability of the drug. Due to high demand, the FDA currently lists semaglutide—the active compound in Ozempic and the weight loss drug Wegovy—as being in shortage.
“Many people, unfortunately, cannot get it,” Dr. Hoenig said. “But if they can, and it works for them, it’s a wonderful thing to have more tools.”
With this new approval, demand for Ozempic is expected to rise further. As more people look to access the drug, experts emphasize the importance of ensuring availability so that those who need it for life-threatening conditions, like kidney disease, can receive treatment without delay.
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