Ozempic May Reduce Kidney Damage and Damage Markers by 52 Percent: Study

The diabetes medication shows promise for improving kidney health and aiding weight loss in patients with chronic kidney disease and obesity.

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The diabetes drug Ozempic, which has become popular for its weight-loss effects, may have another benefit in treating kidney damage, according to new research published Friday.

The study’s results show that the medication can reduce key markers of chronic kidney disease by 52 percent, potentially offering new treatment options for millions of patients.

Ozempic belongs to a class of Type 2 diabetes medications that works by targeting the intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This mechanism enhances insulin release from the pancreas, reduces hunger, and slows digestion. Together, these effects improve glucose control and promote weight loss, making the drug valuable for patients with both diabetes and obesity-related complications.

‘Direct and Indirect’ Effect on Kidney Health

The study, led by clinical pharmacologist Hiddo L. Heerspink of the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, is the first to demonstrate Ozempic’s effectiveness in patients with chronic kidney damage. The findings, published in Nature Medicine, were also presented at the annual congress of the American Society of Nephrology.

Building on his previous research with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—drugs that lower blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove glucose through urine and that have helped chronic kidney disease patients without diabetes—Heerspink investigated whether semaglutide, Ozempic’s active ingredient, could offer similar benefits.

The results showed that semaglutide affects kidney health through multiple pathways. “The great thing is that the drug has both direct and indirect effects on the kidneys,” Heerspink said in a press statement. “The drug has direct effects on inflammation parameters in the kidney, and lowers fat tissue around the kidneys, lowering the amount of protein in the urine. And indirectly because it reduces participants’ weight and blood pressure,” he added.

The study included 101 participants from Canada, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Researchers administered half the participants 24 weeks of semaglutide injections while the others received a placebo.

Improvements in Kidney Function

The results showed that participants taking Ozempic reduced urinary protein by 52 percent, a key indicator of kidney damage.

The study also documented a 30 percent decrease in kidney inflammation, significant blood pressure reduction, and average weight loss of 10 percent.

Despite the positive outcomes, Heerspink acknowledged limitations in the study’s duration, stating that it was “too short to measure improvement in participants’ quality of life or medium-term effects.” However, questionnaires indicated participants felt hungry less often and consequently ate less, he noted.

Looking ahead, Heerspink expressed enthusiasm for further research, stating, “All signals are green to test this drug in a large study. I would like to find out whether it can lead to fewer dialyses or kidney transplants.”

The results have encouraged Heerspink to pursue broader research. He plans to expand his research to include non-obese patients with kidney damage, though he notes that Ozempic’s growing popularity may complicate acquiring sufficient quantities for study.