A once-daily injection
has been approved in the UK for adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal
impairment.
Approximately one million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and around 40 percent of them are affected by moderate chronic kidney disease. Renal impairment is one of the most common long-term complications associated with diabetes and often becomes serious, debilitating or even fatal.
Now, Victoza® (liraglutide) from Novo Nordisk will be available to people who are affected by
both conditions.
According to Steve Bain, Professor of Medicine at Swansea University and
Clinical Lead for the Diabetes Research Network, Wales, “The
choice of glucose-lowering therapies available to adults with both conditions
is currently limited. Victoza® has shown long-term blood glucose control in
adults with type 2 diabetes and moderate renal impairment. The new licence
extension will not only help these adults achieve glucose control, but will
provide clinicians with an additional treatment option. This is paramount to
the care of adults with both conditions”.
It is estimated that
type 2 diabetes costs the NHS approximately £21.8 billion and the complications
of chronic kidney disease account for £753.8 million. These figures are
expected to further increase to £35.6 billion for type 2 diabetes and £1.3
billion for kidney disease by 2035/36. Chronic kidney disease has to be
frequently monitored because if it is left uncontrolled, it can progress to
renal failure.
Since diabetes
treatment options are quite limited for those with chronic kidney disease, Victoza® offers a ray of hope for such patients. In clinical trials, Victoza® has
shown superior blood glucose reduction and significant weight reduction with no
worsening of renal function as compared to placebo. The availability of this
drug now increases prescribing options for clinicians to help patients control
both conditions at the same time.
Source: Hospital
Pharmacy Europe
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
