This groundbreaking study, led by clinical pharmacologist Hiddo L. Heerspink from the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, revealed significant findings about the diabetes medication Ozempic, now recognized not only for its weight loss capabilities but also for its efficacy in treating chronic kidney disease. The results, published in Nature Medicine and presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual congress, mark a pioneering moment in the medical field. The idea for this study came to Heerspink during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, inspired by previous discoveries that another class of Type 2 diabetes drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, were beneficial for chronic kidney disease patients without diabetes. Motivated by this, Heerspink was eager to investigate whether semaglutide could similarly benefit those suffering from chronic kidney disease and obesity.
As semaglutide gained recognition for its weight loss effects, patient interest in participating in the study surged. The research began in the second half of 2022, when demand for semaglutide exceeded supply, making participation in the study highly attractive. Offering a 50% chance of receiving the drug, the study drew many eager participants, highlighting the widespread desire for new therapeutic options.
The study was conducted across four countries: Canada, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, involving 101 participants. Half received 24-week injections of semaglutide, while the others were given a placebo. The results were compelling: there was a 52% reduction in protein in the urine—a key indicator of kidney damage. Additionally, the study recorded a 30% reduction in kidney inflammation and blood pressure reductions comparable to those achieved with standard antihypertensive drugs. A 33% improvement was also observed in a critical metric of heart failure, and participants recorded about a 10% loss in body weight.
Heerspink expressed great enthusiasm about these outcomes, noting the drug’s comprehensive effects on kidney health. Semaglutide directly reduces inflammation and fatty tissue around the kidneys, lowering protein levels in the urine. Indirectly, it helps by reducing body weight and blood pressure, enhancing overall kidney function. Despite the short duration of the study, which limited assessments of quality of life or medium-term effects, dietary questionnaires showed participants felt less hungry, leading to less food intake, which indirectly supports the drug’s weight management claims.
The study’s success has paved the way for further research, with Heerspink keen to explore semaglutide’s potential in reducing the need for dialysis or kidney transplants. He is particularly interested in assessing the drug’s benefits for kidney disease patients without obesity. However, the overwhelming demand for semaglutide presents a challenge, making it difficult to procure enough of the drug for expansive studies.
These findings open new avenues for treating chronic kidney disease and highlight the multifaceted benefits of diabetes medications beyond their primary purpose. As research continues, the medical community remains optimistic about the potential of semaglutide and similar drugs to offer comprehensive benefits for complex health issues, underscoring the importance of innovative pharmaceutical research in chronic disease management.
More information: Ellen M. Apperloo et al, Semaglutide in patients with overweight or obesity and chronic kidney disease without diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03327-6
Journal information: Nature Medicine Provided by Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
