FDA Gives Ozempic Approval to Treat Kidney Disease

"Novo Nordisk said the Food and Drug Administration approved the diabetes-drug Ozempic to be used to help kidney-disease patients.

Ozempic, or semaglutide, can now be used to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease or kidney failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, the company said on Tuesday.

The approval makes Ozempic the most broadly indicated GLP-1 drug on the market, the Danish company said. The FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy in 2021.

The European Union's drug regulator has already thrown its support behind a label expansion for Ozempic to reflect its potential to lower the risk of conditions related to kidney disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The European Medicines Agency's backing came after a 2024 trial showed Ozempic cutting the risk of kidney disease-related events in diabetic patients by 24%." [1]

Ozempic (semaglutide) is primarily approved for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes. While some studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may have protective effects on the kidneys, its use for kidney disease is mainly in diabetes-related cases. Research is ongoing to explore potential benefits for broader kidney disease applications, but it is not yet a standard treatment for non-diabetes-related kidney disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for specific medical advice.

1. FDA Gives Ozempic Approval to Treat Kidney Disease. Seal, Dean.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 29 Jan 2025: B7.