BAYER Healthcare, in partnership with LASCO Pharmaceutical Division, has introduced finerenone, a groundbreaking drug, branded as Firialta, for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 300,000 Jamaicans, approximately 10 per cent of the population, have been diagnosed with CKD, with diabetes standing out as a significant driver.

Finerenone, belonging to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, is the first in its class poised to address Jamaica’s renal crisis as an effective treatment of adults with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes, by managing complications related to the condition.

Chronic kidney disease is the progressive loss of kidney function which presents as the organ becomes fibrotic and inflamed, restricting its function as a filter. Recent studies have shown that it is the fourth leading cause of death in Jamaica with an increase of 18.9 per cent from 2009 to 2019, and the fifth leading cause of combined death and disability. An estimated 12,000 Jamaicans have advanced CKD stage 5. There are no signs or symptoms during its early stages.

The official launch of Firialta at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on February 29 was a significant event, which also encompassed a virtual format which allowed for broad participation, enabling over 1,000 medical professionals and stakeholders across the Caribbean to garner information on the latest advancements in CKD research and management.

Dr Juan Carlos Ramirez Sandoval, a distinguished attending physician in the Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism at the National Institute of Medical Science, with board-certification in nephrology and internal medicine, served as the guest speaker for the occasion. Dr Ramirez Sandoval delivered an evidence-based presentation focusing on studies related to Finerenone, providing valuable insights into its efficacy and clinical implications.

“When I see these results I find hope, because in 2015 there are two drugs that changed the paradigm in the way we treat patients with diabetes and kidney disease, the first is SGLT2 inhibitors and the next is Firialta,” the doctor shared. “When a patient is on dialysis and does not receive a transplant, there is no future. We need to reduce these residual risks. This is the good news, I am very happy to talk about this drug because I believe it is going to change the landscape and this epidemic of people with chronic kidney disease where there is no medical intervention to try and stop this disease.”

Dr Ramirez Sandoval systematically and clearly outlined results of medical trials and benefits of the drug. Finerenone is indicated to delay the decline of kidney function in adults with chronic kidney disease stages 3 & 4 associated with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. It works by blocking inflammation, reduces fibrosis, and decreases the amount of albumin (protein whose presence in urine is symptomatic of kidney disease) in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes.

Hortense Edwards, LASCO Pharmaceutical Division general manager, expressed the significance of the recent developments in cardio-renal protection as presented by Dr Ramirez Sandolval, and that there is a renewed hope for patients facing this condition.

“These advancements will first offer patients a ray of hope by providing the possibility of slowing down the progression of CKD and potentially preventing end-stage renal disease. The next thing is that if you are on the road to end-stage renal disease, your physician can now intervene with therapy that was not available before. It presents potential life-saving benefits as we see where he talked about evidence of 30 per cent reduction in cardiovascular achievable within four months of treatment. This innovation could aid in lowering the number of patients needing expensive, and for the most part, inaccessible dialysis treatment. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and the potential to improve both the quantity and quality of life for CKD patients,” Edwards said.

She emphasised the company’s longstanding and fruitful partnership with Bayer, spanning over three decades distributing a wide range of Bayer products, including the flagship Xarelto since 2008. She highlighted LASCO’s commitment to raising awareness about various health conditions and ensuring patient access to high quality pharmaceuticals, consumer health products and diagnostics.

“What better time for Bayer to be launching this drug in Jamaica as we prepare to celebrate World Kidney Day on March 14. The launch event serves not only to introduce Finerenone to the market but also to increase awareness about chronic kidney disease especially as the global spotlight turns to this condition,” Edwards expressed.