Effects of Oral Semaglutide on Renal Function in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Short-term Clinical Study.

Abstract

In the SUSTAIN-6 trial, semaglutide reduced the risk of worsening nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. The objective of this retrospective study was to elucidate the effect and safety of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Six patients with DKD received 3 mg/day semaglutide orally. The observation period was 9.0±5.0 months. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary protein, fasting blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were studied from 6 months before the administration of oral semaglutide until 6 months after administration. The change in eGFR over the 6 months prior to semaglutide administration was -1.2±1.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, showing a trend for a decrease; although not statistically significant, the change at 6 months after oral semaglutide initiation showed improved eGFR (1-50.7±1.8 ml/min/1.73 m2). Proteinuria was not reduced after treatment with oral semaglutide. No significant adverse effects (including retinopathy) were observed in any patient during the study. Despite the small sample size and short observation period, oral semaglutide was found to be a relatively well-tolerated drug for patients with DKD.