Effects of Oral Semaglutide on Renal Function in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Short-term Clinical Study
Akira Mima1, Sayumi Kidooka2, Takahiro Nakamoto2
1Department of Nephrology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan akira.mima@ompu.ac.jp.
Background/Aim:
In the SUSTAIN-6 trial, semaglutide reduced the risk of worsening nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. The objective of this retrospective study was to elucidate the effect and safety of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Patients And Methods:
Six patients with DKD received 3 mg/day semaglutide orally. The observation period was 9.0±5.0 months. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary protein, fasting blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were studied from 6 months before the administration of oral semaglutide until 6 months after administration.
Results:
The change in eGFR over the 6 months prior to semaglutide administration was -1.2±1.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, showing a trend for a decrease; although not statistically significant, the change at 6 months after oral semaglutide initiation showed improved eGFR (1-50.7±1.8 ml/min/1.73 m2). Proteinuria was not reduced after treatment with oral semaglutide. No significant adverse effects (including retinopathy) were observed in any patient during the study.
Conclusion:
Despite the small sample size and short observation period, oral semaglutide was found to be a relatively well-tolerated drug for patients with DKD.
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