In the heart of Amsterdam, amidst the captivating backdrop of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) scientific sessions, AstraZeneca wielded a symphony of seven posters and nine presentations, all in the name of Farxiga. As the spotlight bathed the stage, it was evident that this SGLT2 inhibitor had a story to tell—a tale that resonates with a melody of medical advancements and newfound connections.
The journey of Farxiga has been a crescendo of triumphs. Its inception in 2014, crowned with approval for Type 2 diabetes treatment, has evolved into a symphony of growth, encapsulating four additional indications over the past five years. But beyond the realm of diabetes, Farxiga has unveiled a medley of spillover benefits, casting a radiant light on the intricate web woven by Type 2 diabetes, heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In a recent interview, Mina Makar, AstraZeneca’s Senior Vice President of Global Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, painted a vivid picture of these lessons shaping the future. The ESC conference reverberated with AstraZeneca’s voice, presenting groundbreaking data from pooled analyses of two trials. These revelations spotlighted a poignant connection between HF patients and declining kidney function, amplifying the understanding of HF-CKD interlinks.
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A symphony of exploration extended to uncharted territories—the intersection of HF and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With the eloquence of a multi-database cohort study, AstraZeneca unveiled how a flare-up of COPD could amplify cardiopulmonary risk, painting a holistic picture of these intertwined conditions.
Yet another crescendo emerged from the harmonious notes of a real-world study, revealing a vital gap in HF treatment initiation post-hospitalization. Guideline recommendations echoed like distant echoes, often overshadowed by the perceived risk of side effects or inadequate reimbursement. This lyrical insight serves as a call to action, prompting the healthcare landscape to embrace comprehensive, guideline-driven care.
“We are proud of the continued practice-changing evidence from Forxiga trials, informing updates that recognise SGLT2 inhibitors as the first and only HF therapy with a class 1A recommendation. Our data presented at ESC 2023 reinforce how cardiorenal and cardiopulmonary diseases are complex and interconnected; diseases of one organ system negatively impacting another. It’s by understanding their interconnections that we’ll be able to detect, diagnose and treat people earlier and more effectively for better outcomes.”
– Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President and President, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca
At the core of AstraZeneca’s symphonic exploration was the notion of interconnectivity—the threads that weave the heart and kidney, health and disease. Farxiga’s virtuosity has illuminated these connections, prompting the company to chart new paths in its pipeline search for innovative treatments. The tale AstraZeneca has woven is a narrative of understanding, growth, and empowerment—one that not only enhances medical insight but also reshapes the trajectory of future therapies.
In this harmonious narrative, another chapter emerges—the story of Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim’s SGLT2 inhibitor, Jardiance. This rival in the spotlight provides its own intelligence on the intricate dance between the heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Together, these two drugs have struck a chord of $10.5 billion in combined sales last year, with Jardiance achieving a melodious $6.1 billion.
The ESC sessions in Amsterdam marked more than a conference; they unveiled a symphony of medical progress, where Farxiga’s harmonious chords resonated, guiding medical understanding and inspiring novel treatments. The rhythm of innovation continues, promising a future where the intertwining threads of health weave an ever-intricate tapestry.
