The FDA approved the diabetes drug dapagliflozin (Farxiga) to treat heart failure in people with or without diabetes.

The unique function of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

This medication belongs to the SGLT-2 Inhibitors class and is referred to as a “glucoretic.” The main action is the release of glucose through the proximal tubules in the kidney. This results in loss of glucose but is also associated with diuresis and reductions in heart failure.

Three of the SGLT-2s (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) have been recognized by the FDA to reduce not only blood glucose but also lower risk of CV death, heart failure and preserve long term kidney function. These medications also significantly reduced hospitalization for heart failure in several trials.

Dapagliflozin is the first SGLT-2 to be FDA approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in people with or without diabetes.

Currently available SGLT2 Inhibitors

Heart failure is a life-threatening disease that affects about 64 million people worldwide. Roughly half of those with heart failure suffer from reduced ejection fraction, which dapagliflozin was Farxiga approved to treat. This FDA approval may open the door for other SGLT2 Inhibitors to expand outside of diabetes.

Read more by click AstraZeneca diabetes drug gets U.S. nod to treat heart failure

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