A new, large-scale meta-analysis (SMART-C) confirms that SGLT2 inhibitors—medications originally developed to treat diabetes—have a far wider medical benefit than scientists previously thought.
The results of the JAMA study are so promising that they are likely to change the global standards for the treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Heart Failure.
The research proved that these drugs similarly reduce the progression of kidney disease in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Most significantly, the medications are effective even when patients have a low rate of kidney damage, which was previously a limiting factor for starting treatment. SGLT2 inhibitors slowed the annual decline in kidney function by approximately 51%.
Scientists note that these medications also sharply reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure, further increasing their effectiveness. These study results are expected to form the basis for changes in clinical treatment methods in the near future.
However, the high cost of the drug remains a problem, as does the fact that, despite the known benefits, only a small portion of high-risk patients are undergoing this type of treatment. Experts hope that once the patents expire and cheaper generic versions become available, this medication will become more widely accessible.
