Bayer AG said the drug Kerendia has shown potential to significantly reduce sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, boosting its potential as a blockbuster drug.
Updated data from late-stage trials show that this drug can reduce all causes of death, especially heart disease, in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, regardless of kidney function status. Kelendia is already approved for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in countries such as the United States, Europe, Japan and China.
German pharmaceutical and agricultural companies are pinning their hopes on a new generation of treatments, including Kerendia, with products such as the blood thinner Xarelto and eye treatment Eylea, which will see cheaper competition in the next few years as patents expire. Take over sales momentum from
The company has already faced investor dissatisfaction with lawsuits alleging the herbicide Roundup causes cancer, as well as pressure to keep up with rivals in developing cutting-edge drugs. We are pursuing a strategy to license and build a platform of cell and gene therapy products.
Earlier this year, Bayer announced a €2 billion ($2 billion) production upgrade plan to expand its manufacturing site in Berkeley, Calif., and transform its supply centers in Berlin and Wuppertal.
Patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes can develop renal failure and are at increased risk of heart-related death, even if their blood sugar and blood pressure levels are actively controlled.
According to Christian Rommel, Bayer’s head of research, the results of the study show that Kerendia has the potential to “reduce the risk of death in this vulnerable patient population and help them stay healthy longer.”
