Kidney Research UK welcomes NICE move to expand access to dapagliflozin in chronic kidney disease
Kidney Research UK has welcomed new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending broader use of dapagliflozin for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition affecting around 10% of UK population.
With more than 140,000 people in the UK predicted to reach the point of kidney failure and needing expensive and debilitating dialysis treatment by 2033, the charity is calling for wider use of SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin to help delay kidney failure and ease pressure on overstretched NHS services. The updated guidance means adults with early-stage CKD including those without diabetes, will now be eligible for dapagliflozin – broadening access to existing treatments that have shown clear benefits in slowing disease progression.
Calling for earlier use of SGLT2
Kidney Research UK has consistently called for earlier use of SGLT2 inhibitors in the fight against kidney failure, submitting formal feedback during NICE’s consultation on the guidance earlier this year.
Analysis from Kidney Research UK’s Health Economics of Kidney Disease report shows the potential benefit of prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors more widely, in such a way as the NICE recommendation now allows. Such an expansion could help nearly 2,000 people avoid dialysis, prevent over 2,300 cardiovascular events, and reduce NHS and wider societal costs by £70 million over ten years. The modelling also estimated more than 5,600 deaths could be avoided, suggesting wider prescribing would be a cost-effective way to help tackle the kidney health crisis.
A step forward for patients
Alison Railton, director of policy and public affairs at Kidney Research UK, commented:
“This is a real step forward for our kidney community. SGLT2 inhibitors are proven to be some of the best treatment options for patients living with CKD. NICE has reflected many of the priorities we raised – and it is a positive move that more patients will now be able to access this vital treatment.”
Pushing to make kidney disease a health priority
The charity is warning that kidney disease is rising fast and remains under-prioritised in health planning. More than 7.2 million people in the UK are estimated to be living with CKD, often undiagnosed until it reaches crisis point. Without earlier intervention, demand for dialysis and transplants is projected to overwhelm the NHS within the next eight years. The scale of the challenge has now been recognised globally, with the World Health Organisation recently adopting its first-ever resolution to prioritise kidney health and strengthen prevention and care efforts worldwide.
Alison Railton added: “We know SGLT2 inhibitors can prevent some patients with CKD needing dialysis or transplantation. The earlier they’re prescribed, the greater the impact. So, while this is welcome news, it must be part of a broader push to get ahead of the looming kidney crisis,”
Dapagliflozin is now one of two SGLT2 inhibitors approved by NICE. It works by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, lowering blood sugar levels and easing strain on the kidneys. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure, a common complication for CKD patients.
The guidance offers clear direction for GPs and other healthcare providers such as nurse prescribers and pharmacists, to prescribe dapagliflozin alongside current therapies such as ACE inhibitors, helping more patients benefit sooner.
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