According to BioSpace, a Phase III trial of Farxiga has produced very positive results. This chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment was able to dramatically prolong survival in those with stages 2-4 of CKD by lowering the risk of cardiovascular or renal death.
About Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when there is damage in the kidneys that progresses over time. About 26 million adults in the United States are affected by CKD. It is often the result of another condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and polycystic kidney disease among others. Patients will experience the symptoms of their first disorder along with the effects of CKD, which include jaundice, stunted growth, high blood pressure, an enlarged liver or spleen, nausea, lack of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, sleep issues, weakness, muscle cramps and twitches, changes in urination, persistent itching, shortness of breath, and swelling in the feet and ankles. Treatment is symptomatic and focuses on reducing complications and slowing progression. Doctors may prescribe diuretics, high blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, anemia medication, and supplements to protect the bones. If CKD progresses enough, dialysis and kidney transplants may be necessary.
About the Study
The treatment, Farxiga, is meant to be taken in combination with diet and exercise in order to better glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes, along with lower the risk of heart failure. It was approved in May by the FDA with the purpose of reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure.
It was studied in a Phase III trial in which 4.304 patients participated across 21 countries. They were randomized 1:1 and given either a placebo or Farxiga. The primary composite endpoint was decreased renal function or risk of death, while the secondary endpoints were death from any cause, time until renal composite, and the composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure.
The results showed that the absolute risk reduction was 5.3%, and all secondary endpoints were met. This proves that Farxiga is able to significantly prolong survival for CKD patients, making it a very valuable treatment option for many.
