Innovative CKD management: AstraZeneca’s Zibotentan/Dapagliflozin advances to Phase III

Recent findings from the ZENITH-CKD Phase IIb trial, conducted by AstraZeneca, have demonstrated a significant decrease in albuminuria among CKD patients treated with a combination of Zibotentan and Dapagliflozin. The trial has brought to light a notable decrease in the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in participants, offering a new avenue for CKD treatment.

Significant UACR Reduction Reported in CKD Phase IIb Trial

Over a span of 12 weeks, patients receiving a combination treatment exhibited a substantial reduction in UACR levels, with a high-dose combination reporting a –33.7% change and a low-dose combination reporting a –27.0% change. These results point to a potentially beneficial new therapy for individuals with CKD, specifically addressing the persistent issue of proteinuria.

Critical Milestone Achieved with Publication in The Lancet

The trial’s outcomes, which were presented at ASN Kidney Week and published in The Lancet, have set the stage for the advancement to Phase III clinical trials. This progression is particularly significant given the global prevalence of CKD and the associated risks of kidney function deterioration.

Anticipated Advancement to Phase III Clinical Trials

The investigational therapy comprises Zibotentan, targeting the ETA receptor to ameliorate kidney blood flow, and Dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor known to delay the advancement of CKD. Together, they represent a strategic combination for tackling high proteinuria in CKD patients.

Extensive and Methodical Phase IIb Clinical Study

The double-blind, multinational Phase IIb ZENITH-CKD trial’s methodology underlines the detailed and comprehensive approach taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, with the impending Phase III trials on the horizon for Q4 2023.

The ZENITH-CKD Phase IIb trial results from AstraZeneca mark an exciting development in the management of chronic kidney disease, with a focus on reducing albuminuria. The data is a testament to the commitment to finding more effective treatments for CKD, a disease affecting millions worldwide, and highlights the continuous need for innovation in the field of nephrology.