NICE recommend dapagliflozin for people with chronic kidney disease

8 Nov 2021 02:25 PM

Dapagliflozin belongs to a group of medicines called ‘sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is the first SGLT2 inhibitor to be recommended through NICE’s technology appraisal process for CKD.

In draft guidance published recently (5 November 2021) NICE has recommended dapagliflozin as an option for treating certain people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults.

It is estimated by the company that there are around 91,000 people who could be eligible for this treatment in England.

An SGLT2 inhibitor works by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys. Blocking this protein alleviates kidney damage by reducing pressure and inflammation in the kidneys. It also helps to stop protein from leaking into the urine, and reduces blood pressure and body weight.

Adding dapagliflozin to current standard care has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of having declining kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, or dying from causes related to the kidneys or cardiovascular system.

Meindert Boysen, deputy chief executive and director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, recently said:

“Dapagliflozin is a promising treatment for certain people with chronic kidney disease and it has the potential to increase the length of time before the disease gets worse. Our independent appraisal committee heard from people with the disease who said that further options which prevented the progress of the disease would offer real hope and a much-improved quality of life. Alongside standard care, dapagliflozin has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease.”

NICE clinical guidelines on chronic kidney disease: assessment and management recommend SGLT2 inhibitors for people with CKD and type 2 diabetes. The guidelines also noted studies were taking place to assess the usefulness of SGLT2 inhibitors for people with CKD who do not have diabetes, but the evidence was not yet strong enough.

CKD is a long-term condition in which the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It is common, especially in older people. In the early stages, there are usually few symptoms and people can have the condition without knowing it. CKD is often caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and kidney infections. Making healthy lifestyle choices and controlling underlying conditions are important. CKD can get worse over time, but treatments can stop or delay this, and many people live for a long time with their condition well controlled.