Ozempic, the GLP-1 drug initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 to treat Type 2 diabetes, was recently OK’d to help reduce risks linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

That’s according to Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company and maker of the drug.

“Chronic kidney disease is very serious and common in patients living with type 2 diabetes and represents a critical need for adults living with these comorbidities,” Dr. Anna Windle of Novo Nordisk said in a news release.

“This approval for Ozempic allows us to more broadly address conditions within cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, which affects millions of adults and could have serious consequences if left untreated,” she added.

Windle said the goal is to not only to lower the risk of worsening CKD, but also reduce kidney failure, as well as limit cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes. She said the approval was based on results of what she described as a “pivotal” trial.

“With this new indication, Ozempic stands out uniquely as the most broadly indicated GLP-1 RA in its class,” Windle said. “We are proud to continue advancing innovations that will have a meaningful impact for this patient population, underscoring Novo Nordisk’s commitment to cardiometabolic care.”

CKD affects about 37 million adults in the U.S., the release said. The drugmaker said that number is expected to rise because of an aging demographic and the increasing prevalence of diabetes, the leading cause of CKD and kidney failure.

“This approval, along with its existing indications for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults also with known heart disease, establishes Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg as the most broadly indicated glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in its class,” the release noted.

In 2020, Ozempic was given the green light to reduce the risk of significant cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

Through the years, there has been an increase in demand for Ozempic, or semaglutide, because of its weight-loss benefits. The popularity led to shortages in the past.

Under the new Trump administration, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated to be the nation’s top health official. He faced scrutiny Wednesday as he sought confirmation for the role of Health and Human Services Secretary.

Kennedy has criticized prescription weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, saying higher-quality food could solve the obesity problem in the U.S., but in December he pivoted, saying the drugs “have a place” in making sure people are not obese, in addition to lifestyle changes.

Americans see weight-loss drugs as a good solution for obese adults. About half of U.S. adults say it’s “very good” or “somewhat good” for adults to use weight-loss drugs if they are struggling with obesity or a weight-related health condition.

About half also favor Medicare and Medicaid covering the cost of these drugs if they are prescribed for weight loss for people with obesity.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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