Ertugliflozin protects kidneys while lowering blood sugar in diabetes

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are associated with protective renal and cardiovascular effects in addition to lowering blood sugar levels and inducing weight loss in individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

In a study published in Diabetologia, researchers have found that ertugliflozin preserves renal function in diabetics with baseline albuminuria. It, therefore, protects renal function in patients of diabetes in addition to controlling blood sugar.

Ertugliflozin is a selective SGLT2 inhibitor approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as a glucose-lowering agent and is being evaluated in the ongoing cardiovascular outcome trial eValuation of ERTugliflozin effIcacy and Safety (VERTIS) CV.

This study showed transient and modest reductions in eGFR with ertugliflozin, which returned to baseline by the end of the study, whereas eGFR declined throughout the study period in the non-ertugliflozin group. These results are suggestive of the preservation of renal function with ertugliflozin among people with type 2 diabetes and baseline albuminuria. The results are consistent with the pharmacodynamic effect seen with SGLT2 inhibitors and are suggestive of the preservation of renal function with ertugliflozin. In patients with baseline albuminuria, ertugliflozin demonstrated a reduction in albuminuria over 104 weeks.

For further reference log on to:

Cherney, D.Z.I., Heerspink, H.J.L., Frederich, R. et al. Effects of ertugliflozin on renal function over 104 weeks of treatment: a post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials. Diabetologia 63, 1128–1140 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-020-05133-4