According to Bayer AG, the drug Kerendia has the potential to drastically lower sudden cardiac mortality in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, which increases the likelihood that it will become a blockbuster drug.
Recent findings from a late-stage experiment indicate that the medication can lower all causes of death in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal disease, particularly heart disease, regardless of how well their kidneys are functioning. Patients with chronic kidney disease can already get Kerendia licensed for treatment in the US, Europe, Japan, and China.
The German pharmaceutical and agricultural goods giant is counting on newer medications, like Kerendia, to overtake older ones like the blood thinner Xarelto and the eye treatment Eylea, which will face less expensive competition in the years to come when their patents expire.
In addition to investor dissatisfaction over lawsuits alleging that the weedkiller Roundup causes cancer, the business is under pressure to catch up to competitors in the development of cutting-edge drugs. In addition to developing a platform of cell and gene therapy products, it is pursuing a strategy of licensing innovations from outside sources.
Bayer unveiled a 2 billion euro ($2 billion) production renovation plan earlier this year in order to modernize supply hubs in Berlin and Wuppertal and develop a manufacturing facility in Berkeley, California.
Even when their blood sugar and blood pressure levels are properly managed, patients with chronic renal disease and type 2 diabetes still run a higher risk of dying from heart-related causes and kidney failure. According to Bayer’s research chief Christian Rommel, the study’s findings have shown Kerendia’s potential “to reduce the risk of mortality amongst this vulnerable patient population and keep them healthier for longer.”
