Challenge

Robust clinical trial data demonstrate favourable outcomes with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with and without diabetes, and they are recommended in updated guidelines.

However real-world evidence has demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors are currently underutilised in CKD management.

There is a lack of awareness of the CKD indication for SGLT2 inhibitors, in addition to a hesitancy to integrate these drugs due to safety concerns, and uncertainty around which patients are eligible for treatment.

Our client wanted to address the knowledge gap in order to encourage greater and safe use of these drugs which may offer significant clinical benefits for patients.

HEOR STRATEGY

HEOR conducted a targeted literature review of relevant data sources to provide robust and relevant evidence around the positioning and value of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD and to identify evidence gaps and areas of uncertainty.

We organised a meeting of UK experts and facilitated a roundtable discussion to debate interpretation of the evidence and expert opinion on clinical best practice, with the view to informally reach consensus.

We collated consensus output from the meeting and used this alongside the available literature to draft a manuscript in consultation with the authors. All work was completed in accordance with Good Publication Practice.

HEOR provided strategic direction throughout and managed the publication process from conception to final acceptance.

OUTCOME

A journal article, providing contemporary and comprehensive consensus expert opinion regarding the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in CKD, including appropriate prescribing and practical considerations.

A slide deck to deliver high quality scientific and medical education to healthcare professionals and relevant decision makers across the UK to promote patient access through the implementation of SGLT2 inhibitors into local CKD treatment pathways.