The largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis to date on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reveals significant benefits for kidney and cardiovascular outcomes, even in individuals without diabetes.
The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar, have gained popularity as effective treatments for obesity.
They work by slowing digestion, increasing satiety, and reducing hunger.
While these agents are well established for managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, their impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been uncertain — until now.
Researchers analyzed 11 large-scale clinical trials involving 85,373 participants (67,769 with diabetes and 17,604 with overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease but no diabetes). The trials studied seven GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza).
Key findings from the analysis include a 16% reduction in kidney failure risk. A 22% reduction in risk of kidney function worsening (defined as a 50% drop in eGFR). A 19% combined reduction in kidney failure, worsening function, and death from kidney disease. A 14% reduction in cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and non-fatal strokes. A 13% lower risk of death from any cause.
Professor Sunil Badve of The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney stated that the study broadens understanding of the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly for people with CKD and those without diabetes. He emphasized the drugs’ growing role as kidney- and heart-protective agents.
Chronic kidney disease, affecting approximately 850 million people worldwide, is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2050. It significantly worsens quality of life and imposes large healthcare costs, especially as it progresses to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.
Professor Vlado Perkovic, also of The George Institute and UNSW Sydney, said the results support integrating GLP-1 receptor agonists into guidelines for managing chronic kidney and cardiovascular disease — and stressed the importance of expanding access to these therapies globally.
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