In a new study, researchers found the potential benefits of new drugs in protecting kidney function in diabetes.
They found that combining two treatments that lower uric acid concentrations in the blood reduce the leakage of albumin in the urine, one of the earliest signs of kidney damage in diabetes.
The discovery could help to prevent kidney failure in diabetes patients.
The research was conducted by a team at University of Limerick, Ireland, and elsewhere.
In the study, the team tested 60 patients with type 2 diabetes with albuminuria and elevated uric acid levels.
The patients were randomized to receive either Verinurad 9mg, and Febuxostat 80mg or placebo. The patients were followed up for 24 weeks.
The team found that the combination of Verinurad and Febuxostat reduced albuminuria in the urine by 39.4% in patients with Type 2 diabetes after 12 weeks of treatment compared to placebo.
This effect persisted at 24 weeks with an overall 49% reduction in albuminuria. Treated patients also experienced a 57% reduction in uric acid levels at 12 weeks.
Both Verinurad and Febuxostat were well tolerated by patients.
Verinurad is a novel inhibitor of the uric acid transporter (URAT1) and is currently under investigation for the treatment of hyperuricemia and kidney disease.
Febuxostat is a potent, selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to lower urate levels in patients with gout and hyperuricemia.
The results show that the combination of drugs reduces the leaking of protein through the kidney.
The team says if doctors can intervene early on then they are more likely to prevent patients from going into kidney failure.
The findings raise hope for the 350 million people with type 2 diabetes globally who are at increased risk of kidney failure.
One author of the study is Professor Austin Stack.
The study is published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease.
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