A major new study has shown that a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists offer strong protection for both the kidneys and the heart, even in people who don’t have diabetes.
The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, is the biggest and most detailed analysis of these drugs to date.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were first created to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a hormone that helps the body produce insulin and lower blood sugar. In recent years, they’ve also become popular for weight loss because they help people feel full longer, slow down digestion, and reduce hunger.
While their benefits for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease have been clear, researchers weren’t sure how much they help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
To find out, scientists reviewed data from 11 large clinical trials. These trials included more than 85,000 people — nearly 68,000 had type 2 diabetes, and the rest had heart disease and were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes.
The study looked at seven different GLP-1 drugs, including well-known names like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza).
The results were promising. Compared to people who took a placebo, those who took GLP-1 drugs had:
– A 16% lower risk of kidney failure
– A 22% lower risk of worsening kidney function
– A 19% lower risk when combining kidney failure, worsening function, and death from kidney disease
The drugs also protected the heart. Patients who took them were 14% less likely to die from heart disease, have a heart attack, or a stroke. The overall risk of dying from any cause was 13% lower.
Lead author Professor Sunil Badve from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney said these findings were a big step forward. “This is the first time we’ve seen such clear proof that these drugs help prevent kidney failure,” he said. “They could be a key treatment for people with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or chronic kidney disease.”
CKD is a growing health problem around the world. About one in ten people have it, and it can lead to serious complications like kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant. Most people with CKD die from heart problems. The condition also affects quality of life and leads to high medical costs.
Professor Vlado Perkovic, also from The George Institute and UNSW Sydney, said the study could change how doctors treat CKD and heart disease in people with or without diabetes. “GLP-1 drugs could play a major role in tackling these global health issues,” he said.
He added that the next challenge is making sure more people can get access to these medicines and that the findings are put into clinical practice.
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The study is published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
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