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SILVER SPRING, Md. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ozempic, the widely popular diabetes and weight-loss drug, for treating kidney disease. This marks the latest expansion of the drug's applications, further solidifying its status as a versatile and groundbreaking medication.
Developed by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic (semaglutide) has already gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in significant weight loss. The new approval allows the drug to be prescribed to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition affecting millions of Americans and often linked to diabetes and hypertension.
Clinical trials demonstrated that Ozempic not only slowed the progression of kidney disease but also reduced the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events in patients. This approval is expected to provide a new treatment option for individuals with CKD, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.
Speaking to Forbes, Dr. Sarah Thompson, a nephrologist at Johns Hopkins University, hailed the decision as a "major step forward" in kidney disease management. "Ozempic's ability to address multiple health issues—diabetes, obesity, and now kidney disease—makes it a uniquely valuable tool in modern medicine," she said.
The approval comes amid soaring demand for Ozempic, which has faced periodic shortages due to its popularity. Novo Nordisk has pledged to ramp up production to meet patients' growing needs.