Empagliflozin’s Kidney Benefits Fade After Treatment Ends: Long-Term Therapy Needed
A groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the kidney and cardiovascular benefits seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while taking the drug empagliflozin diminish significantly within a year of stopping treatment.
The research, presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024, focused on data from 4891 participants who took part in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. This trial demonstrated empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, significantly reduced kidney disease progression in patients across various CKD stages and types.
Carry-Over Effect Highlights Need for Continued Treatment
During the post-trial observational period, researchers analyzed the effects of empagliflozin discontinuation. While participants continued experiencing benefits, they were significantly lower than those observed during the active treatment phase. Specifically, the study found:
- A 13% reduction in the risk of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death during the post-trial period compared to placebo.
- This reduction is considerably less than the 28% observed while actively taking empagliflozin.
These findings suggest the benefits of empagliflozin wane gradually after treatment discontinuation, lasting approximately 12 months.
“This research emphasizes that to fully maximize the cardiorenal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, long-term treatment is essential for patients with CKD,” stated William G. Herrington, MD, the study’s lead author.
Long-Term Implications and Future Considerations
Dr. Emily Chang, an associate professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that empagliflozin, like other SGLT2 inhibitors, likely requires lifelong administration to maintain optimal patient outcomes.
“While studies haven’t confirmed whether this trend applies to other SGLT2 inhibitors, our current understanding points towards these medications being prescribed long-term for patients with CKD, assuming they tolerate them well,” explained Dr. Chang.
**Have questions about managing CKD and exploring treatment options? Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss what’s best for you.**