NICE Broadens Access to Forxiga in Breakthrough for Kidney Disease Patients
In a landmark decision set to benefit millions across the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued updated guidance recommending the use of Forxiga (dapagliflozin) for a broader group of patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
This move comes after an extensive review of new clinical trial results and real-world evidence demonstrating the drug’s effectiveness in managing the progressive and often silent disease.
A Step Forward for CKD Care
Chronic kidney disease currently affects over 7 million people in the United Kingdom – yet alarmingly, an estimated one million remain unaware they even have the condition.
CKD is not only a hidden threat, often lacking early-stage symptoms, but also a deadly one, contributing to approximately 45,000 premature deaths each year. Its impact on patients, families, and the healthcare system is both profound and growing.
NICE’s decision to broaden access to dapagliflozin reflects a significant shift from the previous eligibility criteria set in 2022. The new guidance opens doors for earlier intervention, offering clinicians a wider toolkit to manage CKD before it progresses to life-altering outcomes such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Backed by Strong Clinical and Real-World Evidence
The updated recommendation is grounded in a robust set of data, including findings from clinical trials and real-world usage that consistently highlighted Forxiga’s role in slowing the progression of kidney disease.
These findings have already been recognised north of the border, with the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) recently accepting the drug for the same indication.
AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company behind Forxiga, welcomed the move. Its UK president stated that they are delighted by NICE’s decision to broaden access to dapagliflozin for patients with CKD.
Chronic kidney disease places a significant burden on patients, their families and the healthcare services. Therefore, they are proud to be playing a role in addressing this growing health challenge.
A Win for Early Intervention
Kidney Care UK, one of the nation’s leading charities supporting those with kidney disease, praised the guidance update.
The organisation’s policy director called it a significant development for people with early-stage kidney disease, adding that slowing down kidney disease can be life-changing, particularly if it reduces the chances of someone needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
This patient-centric perspective underscores the broader implications of the decision – not only will more people now qualify for treatment, but the hope is that earlier management could prevent more severe health complications down the line.
Conclusion
NICE’s updated recommendation for Forxiga marks a vital shift in the treatment landscape for chronic kidney disease.
With more than 7 million affected and a million unaware of their condition, widening access to proven treatments like dapagliflozin could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Supported by real-world evidence, clinical data, and growing advocacy from both medical and patient groups, this development represents a meaningful stride in the fight against one of the UK’s most pressing yet often overlooked health challenges.
News Credits: AstraZeneca’s Forxiga recommended for chronic kidney disease treatment
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