Science to Practice
Latest highlights on drug safety and efficacy

27.10.2026

Despite strong evidence supporting the renal and cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, recent studies reveal substantial gaps in their clinical use.

A large US study involving nearly 7 million patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular and/or kidney disease found that 80% of those eligible for guideline-directed cardiorenal protective treatment lacked a current prescription. The treatment gap was particularly pronounced in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

A European study reported similarly concerning findings: CKD was identified in one-third of screened specialist outpatients, often previously unrecognised. Among patients eligible for renoprotective treatment, only 42% received SGLT2 inhibitors, 42% GLP-1 receptor agonists and 7% nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

These findings highlight the need to bridge the gap between clinical evidence and everyday practice. Earlier recognition of CKD and systematic assessment of eligibility for renoprotective therapies could help improve long-term kidney and cardiovascular outcomes.

Effective treatments are available to protect kidney and cardiovascular health, but many eligible patients are still not receiving them. Earlier recognition of CKD and systematic assessment of treatment eligibility could help close this gap.

For more comprehensive information, explore Renbase, our specialised database that provides detailed insights on drug safety and efficacy when treating patients with renal failure.

News produced by Medbase Medical Team

References

1. Agarwal S, et al. Primary Care Diabetes. 2026;20:603–612. doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2026.07.015.
2. Zahradka I, et al. BMJ Open. 2026;16. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2026-121190.