Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 840 million people worldwide, causing gradual damage to kidneys and eventually leading to function loss.
A new study has found that sotagliflozin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or CKD, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,600 participants in the SCORED trial, who received either sotagliflozin or a placebo between 2017 and 2020.
The study found that sotagliflozin lowered the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 23% compared to those taking the placebo. The benefit occurred within just three months of starting the medication, indicating an early effect in a stable population.
Researchers believe that sotagliflozin may help lower heart attack and stroke risk due to its ability to block both SGLT2 and SGLT1 receptors. These receptors are found in the kidneys, gut, heart, and brain, and their combined inhibition may explain why sotagliflozin reduces cardiovascular risks.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, stated that this medication has the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk in eligible patients treated with it. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and differentiate the actions of sotagliflozin from other SGLT inhibitors.
Experts such as Dr. Michael Broukhim, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, believe that sotagliflozin could be an important addition to treatment for patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes or kidney disease, who are at high risk of heart attack and stroke.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drug-diabetes-kidney-disease-may-also-lower-heart-attack-stroke-risks