Health Canada Approves Ozempic to Combat Kidney Decline in Diabetics

Health Canada has granted approval for Ozempic to reduce the risk of kidney deterioration in adults with Type 2 diabetes. This decision comes after substantial evidence from clinical trials indicating that Ozempic can significantly lower the likelihood of kidney failure and associated cardiovascular issues.

Between 30% and 50% of individuals with Type 2 diabetes develop chronic kidney disease, making this approval critical for patient care. The international FLOW trial, which involved over 3,500 participants across 28 countries, demonstrated that patients using Ozempic experienced a 24% reduction in the risk of significant kidney decline compared to those on a placebo.

Clinical Insights and Expert Opinions

Dr. David Cherney, a nephrologist at Toronto General Hospital and a leader in the Canadian segment of the FLOW trial, noted that the trial’s results could alleviate patient fears surrounding dialysis and kidney transplants. “What my patients are scared of is dialysis — dialysis or a transplant,” Dr. Cherney stated. He emphasized the importance of reducing anxiety related to severe complications by potentially slowing kidney function loss.

Dr. Ehud Ur, an endocrinologist at the University of British Columbia, lauded the approval as “great news.” He remarked that preventing kidney disease is vital in managing Type 2 diabetes and that Ozempic serves as an essential tool in this regard.

Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, was initially approved in Canada for blood sugar control. It also promotes weight loss and has been recognized for its cardiovascular benefits. The recent approval marks Ozempic as the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug in Canada to offer protective effects for both kidney and heart health in diabetic patients.

Trial Results and Future Implications

On August 13, 2025, Health Canada confirmed the approval of Ozempic to mitigate the risk of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, which is a crucial measure of kidney function. The FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the previous year, followed participants for an average of 3.4 years, monitoring for major kidney-related events, including kidney failure and cardiovascular death.

Dr. Cherney highlighted the trial’s findings, emphasizing that Ozempic could provide an additional benefit beyond traditional treatments aimed at controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels. “Another weapon against kidney disease is incredibly powerful,” he said, noting Ozempic’s ability to address various health issues simultaneously.

While some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and constipation, Dr. Ur believes the benefits of slowing kidney disease progression far outweigh these minor risks. He also mentioned that ongoing research may reveal more about how Ozempic influences kidney health, including its potential role in reducing inflammation.

As Health Canada moves forward with this approval, it underscores the significance of early intervention in Type 2 diabetes to minimize long-term kidney damage. The collaboration between health authorities and pharmaceutical companies will likely continue to evolve, aiming to improve patient outcomes in the management of chronic conditions.