Bayer’s first-in-class therapy PBS listed for kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

Pharma News: In a major breakthrough, thousands of Australians grappling with type 2 diabetes and the looming threat of kidney failure will soon have access to a revolutionary medication.

Bayer’s Kerendia (finerenone), a first-in-class nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), will be made available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) starting July 1. The funding will aid in delaying the progressive decline of kidney function among adults with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes, specifically those with albuminuria, a condition characterised by protein in the urine. This medication is designed to complement standard treatments for the disease.

The news has been met with great enthusiasm by medical professionals and patients alike. Professor Richard MacIsaac, Director of Endocrinology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and co-lead of diabetes kidney disease research at the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The availability of Kerendia through the PBS is very welcome news for the large number of Australians living with the ‘deadly duo’ of type 2 diabetes and progressive kidney disease.”

This development comes at a crucial time when a report by Diabetes Australia shed light on the severity of the diabetes-related kidney disease crisis in the country. The report warned that the problem will worsen over time and emphasised the need for a national screening program to detect and treat the disease early, thus slowing its progression and mitigating the impact on the healthcare system.

Professor MacIsaac stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Kidney disease is one of the most common and dangerous complications of type 2 diabetes and affects around one in every four Australians living with the condition. Rising rates of type 2 diabetes have seen diabetes-induced kidney disease reach epidemic levels. We need to do more to turn the tide on this serious and often silent disease.”

In Australia, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, responsible for nearly 40% of cases. Over time, diabetes damages the delicate filtering system of the kidneys, ultimately leading to kidney failure.

The number of Australians requiring treatment for kidney failure due to diabetes has tripled in the past 20 years, making dialysis the leading cause of hospital admission in the country. Every year, more than 12,000 Australians with diabetes-induced kidney failure undergo dialysis, and nearly 475 receive kidney transplants. Additionally, chronic kidney disease contributes to over 17,700 deaths in Australia, accounting for 11% of all fatalities.

Professor MacIsaac highlighted the significant impact of chronic kidney disease in Australia, largely driven by type 2 diabetes. He explained that even if a person’s diabetes is well controlled, kidney function continues to decline due to the progressive nature of kidney disease. Thus, controlling blood glucose levels alone is insufficient to halt the development of diabetic kidney disease and preserve kidney function. Professor MacIsaac emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining good metabolic and blood pressure control, and utilising medications like Kerendia that slow the progression of kidney function loss in individuals with diabetes.

The Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the growing crisis of diabetes-induced kidney disease and providing equitable access to Kerendia has been praised by CEO of Bayer ANZ Group and Country Division Head for Pharmaceuticals, Ashraf Al-Ouf. He stated “We commend the Federal Government for addressing the growing tide of diabetes-induced kidney disease and providing equitable access to Kerendia for Australians living with this potentially life-threatening condition.”

Mr Al-Ouf emphasised Bayer’s commitment to delivering medical innovations that enhance the standard of care for Australians and help them lead better lives.

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