Semaglutide for Nondiabetic Kidney Disease, with Hiddo Heerspink, PhD, PharmD, at Kidney Week 2024
In the latest episode of Kidney Compass: Navigating Clinical Trials, Hiddo Heerspink, PhD, PharmD, of the University of Groningen, joins the podcast after he presented the landmark SMART trial, which suggested the benefit of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) extend to patients without diabetes. Video Version During the episode, Heerspink shares the impetus behind the SMART study, explaining how early pandemic lockdowns offered time to explore semaglutide's application for CKD without diabetes. The group delves into the study's design, patient profile, and a 52% reduction in albuminuria observed with semaglutide. They address dose-dependency, how higher doses may amplify albuminuria reduction, and the relationship between creatinine and cystatin C as filtration markers. The conversation shifts to broader implications, including the drug’s anti-inflammatory benefits, its potential for longer-term GFR protection, and specific impacts on blood pressure and BNP levels. As Heerspink elaborates, these results underscore semaglutide’s versatility, suggesting new therapeutic avenues across kidney and cardiovascular care. The episode concludes with a look at future research needs, including additional trials to clarify semaglutide’s role in non-diabetic CKD and broader nephrology applications. Chapters 00:00 - Start 01:45 - SMART Trial Background 04:30 - Study Population Characteristics 06:10 - SMART Trial Results 07:35 - Dose-Dependent Effects of Semaglutide 09:15 - Filtration Markers 14:15 - Hypertension and BNP --- Relevant disclosures for Heerspink include AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chinook Therapeutics Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Travere Therapeutics, and others. Relevant disclosures for Neuen include AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer and Ingelheim, Janssen, and others. Relevant disclosures for Wadhwani include the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, GSK, Calliditas and Travere Therapeutics.