Ozempic approved in Canada to slow kidney decline, prevent cardiovascular disease – CBC

Was previously approved by Health Canada in 2018 as a diabetic medicine

Aug 19, 2025

Health Canada has approved Ozempic to reduce the risk of further kidney decline among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Between 30 and 50 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes develop some form of chronic kidney disease.

An international clinical trial, called FLOW, showed the risk of kidneys significantly deteriorating or failing was 24 per cent lower in patients taking Ozempic compared to those taking a placebo injection.

The patients taking the drug were also less likely to die from cardiovascular disease — another condition that affects many patients with diabetes.

The study, funded by Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk, was peer-reviewed and published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year and contributed to Health Canada’s decision.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-kidney-disease-diabetes-health-canada-1.7612917