Canagliflozin Approved by FDA for Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease

Officials from the FDA have approved the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson’s canagliflozin (Invokana) to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

This is the first new treatment for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) to be approved the FDA in several years, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Diabetes and CKD often co-exist, and each are associated with multiple comorbid conditions and higher risk for mortality. Invokana is a SGLT2 inhibitor that was originally used for glycemic control in people with diabetes by inhibiting renal reabsorption. It has now been shown to reduce the risk of kidney failure and heart disease in the U.S. population.

Kidney disease effects 1 in 3 Americans, and risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history.

Reference

FDA approves new drug to treat diabetes-related kidney disease [news release]. New York, NY: PR Newswire; September 30, 2019. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-new-drug-to-treat-diabetes-related-kidney-disease-300927711.html. Accessed September 30, 2019.