THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a label expansion for Ozempic (semaglutide 1.0mg) to reduce the risk of kidney disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Australia.

Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD in Australia, accounting for 38% of all new cases, and Ozempic is now approved as an adjunct to standard of care therapy to reduce the risks.

Professor Vlado Perkovic, nephrologist and Provost at the University of NSW, welcomed the TGA approval, pointing out that if not managed appropriately, CKD can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

“Early intervention can help with slowing disease progression,” said Prof Perkovic.

“I encourage people living with type 2 diabetes to speak with their healthcare providers about kidney health – we need to continue raising awareness and the importance of early CKD detection,” he added.

MEANWHILE, Novo Nordisk has halved the cost of Ozempic in the US to US$499 (A$768) per month for cash-paying patients, which it denied is related to President Trump’s demands to lower drug prices for Americans.

Most Americans are covered by insurance and do not pay full price.

Australians – who have among the lowest medicine costs in the world (PD 18 Aug) – pay $150 per month on private (non-PBS) prescription.

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