Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and CKD
New data from the FLOW trial, presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week 2024, highlights the significant benefits of semaglutide 1.0 mg (Ozempic) for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Building on the trial’s successful presentation at the 61st European Renal Association Congress earlier this year, these findings delve deeper into the most common causes of cardiovascular death within the trial, emphasizing the crucial role of managing comorbidities in this patient population.
Key Findings from the FLOW Trial
The FLOW trial demonstrated that semaglutide was associated with a 24% relative risk reduction in major kidney disease events compared to placebo therapy (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.66 to 0.88; P = .0003).
Data presented at Kidney Week 2024 by trial co-chair Richard Pratley, MD, medical director at the Advent Health Diabetes Institute, revealed that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of:
- All-cause mortality (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95)
- Cardiovascular death (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.89)
- Death of undetermined cause (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.91)
Impact on Cardiovascular Death
Analysis of the causes of death within the trial showed that the most frequent causes of cardiovascular death were sudden cardiac death (2.8% vs 3.8%) and heart failure (0.3% vs 0.7%), both occurring more frequently in the placebo group. Notably, semaglutide did not impact non-cardiovascular/non-kidney or kidney death.
For a deeper understanding of this study and the role of semaglutide in managing CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes, check out our exclusive interview with Dr. Pratley from Kidney Week 2024.
Relevant disclosures for Dr. Pratley include Novo Nordisk, Merck, Bayer, Eli Lilly and Company, Rivus Pharmaceuticals, and more.
References:
- Pratley RE, Mahaffey KW, Mann JF, et al. Effect of Semaglutide on Mortality Outcomes in the FLOW Trial. Presented at American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024. San Diego, CA. October 23-27, 2024.
- Perkovic V, Tuttle KR, Rossing P, et al. Effects of Semaglutide on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(2):109-121. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2403347
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