The FDA has expanded the approval of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) to include the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes. This marks a significant development in the management of diabetes-related complications, as CKD affects more than 35 million adults in the U.S., with diabetes being a leading cause.
Clinical trials demonstrated that Ozempic reduced the risk of death in patients with diabetes-related kidney disease by 20%, prompting an early stoppage of the study due to the drug’s significant benefits. The approval underscores the growing role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing not only diabetes but also its related complications, such as kidney and cardiovascular disease.
For nephrology nurses, this approval represents an important advancement in treatment options for patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, understanding the latest therapies can help improve patient outcomes and support comprehensive kidney care.
