Ozempic, Mounjaro… Are these drugs effective in protecting the kidneys?

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of a hormone, called glucagon-like peptide 1, which stimulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels. the blood. More recently, research has shown that they are effective in combating obesity, by slowing digestion, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger. “However, it remains unclear whether GLP-1 receptor agonists improve clinically important renal outcomes,” said an international team of researchers.

This is why she decided to carry out a study, the results of which were published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Scientists analyzed 11 large-scale clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists involving a total of 85,373 adults. Among the participants, 67,769 people with type 2 diabetes and 17,604 patients suffering from overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease, but not diabetics. In the trials, seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (also known as Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza), were tested and compared to a placebo for at least 12 months.

Kidney disorders: fewer risks thanks to GLP-1 receptor agonists

Compared to placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and worsening kidney function by 22% (defined as at least a 50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate estimated, a measure of how much blood the kidneys filter each minute). The combined reduction in risk of kidney failure, worsening kidney function, and death from kidney disease was 19%. The work also confirmed that these drugs protected cardiovascular health, with a 14% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke, compared to placebo.

“There was no difference in the risk of serious adverse events, including acute pancreatitis and severe hypoglycemia, between the GLP-1 receptor agonist and placebo groups. However, discontinuation treatment due to adverse events was more common in the GLP-1 receptor agonist groups. can we read in the results.

Chronic kidney failure, a disease associated with premature death

According to the authors, further research is needed to validate these data. However they “are particularly important for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is a progressive disease that ultimately leads to kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation and is associated with premature death, primarily due to heart diseases. It has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and leads to considerable health costs.