Novo Nordisk recently announced positive results from the kidney outcomes trial FLOW.

According to the trial, Ozempic (semaglutide) 1.0mg reduced the risk of kidney disease progression and the risk of kidney and cardiovascular deaths by 24%.

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, have emphasised that unmet needs in the kidney disease space include next-generation therapies with alternate mechanisms of action and enhanced clinical profiles.

If approved, Ozempic will become the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapy option for patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

FLOW was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase III trial to assess the safety and efficacy of semaglutide when added to the standard of care; 3,533 participants with T2D and CKD were enrolled and the safety and tolerability profiles were consistent with previous semaglutide 1.0mg studies.

According to KOLs, Ozempic could be an excellent option for patients who are diabetic and obese.

In addition, KOLs believe that Ozempic has the potential to be a treatment option for non-diabetic CKD patients whose kidney problems are due to their obesity as opposed to diabetes.

The ageing global population will lead to an increase in the prevalence of CKD, leading to an expansion of the market, as well as a growing need for more therapeutic options.

However, the widespread use of generic CKD drugs continues to make it difficult for high-priced branded therapies to fully penetrate the market.

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D.

It is formulated as an injectable solution for a subcutaneous route of administration.