AstraZeneca launches Forxiga kidney disease and heart failure studies

AstraZeneca has announced plans for two phase IIIb clinical trials assessing the performance of its diabetes therapy Forxiga in new indications.

The randomised placebo-controlled outcome trials will assess the SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy in the management of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure in people with and without type 2 diabetes.

This marks the first time a major outcome trial has been conducted to evaluate the effect of an SGLT-2 inhibitor in chronic kidney disease, a condition for which there are few current treatment options available.

Additionally, a series of new mechanistic trials are being launched to bolster understanding of the underlying science behind the potential cardiovascular and renal protective signals seen with SGLT-2 inhibitor therapies.

Elisabeth Bjork, vice-president and head of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases for global medicines development at AstraZeneca, said: "By following the science, we are seeking to improve outcomes for millions of patients with cardiovascular disease around the world."

This comes after the firm allied with the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief earlier this month to support the provision of HIV and hypertension services in Africa.

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