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New Drug to Treat Diabetic Kidney Disease

Updated: 9/12/22 4:07 pmPublished: 9/12/22
By Arvind Sommi

image of  kidneysAn actively recruiting clinical trial is seeking to evaluate a new drug to treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This new injectable drug will be given alongside Farxiga (dapagliflozin), which has already shown protective effects on the kidney.

Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT04170543

Trial Name: A Phase 2b Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Study

Diabetes Type: Adults with type 2 diabetes

Trial Sponsor: AstraZeneca 

What is the trial testing?

This study will enroll 565 participants with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an investigational new drug, Tozorakimab (also known as MEDI-3506) given as an injection under the skin. It is an IL-33 (interleukin-33) monoclonal antibody being developed by AstraZeneca for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease as well as certain other conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of four doses of Tozorakimab and dapagliflozin or a placebo and dapagliflozin. 

The primary goal of the study is to see if Tozorakimab can improve the urine-albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Researchers will test the safety of Tozorakimab by tracking any adverse events that occur during the trial.

Why is this trial new and important? 

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults; approximately, 1 in 3 people with diabetes also live with CKD. It is estimated that as many as 40% of people with diabetes may develop CKD during their lifetimes. To learn more about chronic kidney disease, read Chronic Kidney Disease: The Hidden Complication.

Currently, blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol management are the primary treatments for DKD, along with diet and exercise. SGLT-2s, such as dapagliflozin (Farxiga), can also be used to protect kidneys. However, Tozorakimab, if approved, would provide a novel option that might supplement current treatment options because it focuses specifically on DKD.

Trial Length: 24 weeks

Trial Locations: This is a multicenter, worldwide study with 131 locations across the United States, Argentina, Canada, Korea, Japan, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. Click here to see a list of all participating locations.

Are you interested?

You may be eligible to participate in this trial if:

  • You are 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes

  • You have been diagnosed with diabetic kidney disease (DKD)

You can see a full list of inclusion/exclusion criteria here

For more information: Contact the AstraZeneca study team at information.center@astrazeneca.com or call 1-877-240-9479 ext. 301-398-3347.

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About the authors

Arvind Sommi joined the diaTribe Foundation in 2021 after graduating with Phi Beta Kappa and honors from the University of Florida where he majored in Biology and minored in Sociology.... Read the full bio »