AstraZeneca’s Forxiga recommended for chronic kidney disease treatment

Updated guidance from NICE expands eligibility for dapagliflozin us

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published updated guidance recommending Forxiga (dapagliflozin) as a treatment option for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a broader patient population.

The decision follows a review of additional clinical data, including real-world evidence and previous trial results, which demonstrated the drug’s efficacy in treating CKD.

CKD affects more than 7 million people in the UK, with 1 million unaware they have the condition. It causes up to 45,000 premature deaths each year and places a significant burden on the healthcare system.

AstraZeneca welcomed NICE’s decision, which expands access beyond previous eligibility criteria set in 2022. It aligns with a recent acceptance by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for the same indication.

Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, said: “This is a significant development for people with early-stage kidney disease. Slowing down kidney disease can be life-changing, particularly if it reduces the chances of someone needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.”

AstraZeneca’s UK president, Tom Keith-Roach, said: “We are delighted by NICE’s decision to broaden access to dapagliflozin for patients with CKD. CKD places significant burden on patients, their families and our healthcare services and we are proud to play a part in addressing this growing health challenge.”

CKD is progressive and often asymptomatic in early stages. NICE’s decision is based on various data sets, including real-world evidence and previous clinical studies.