New insights from SONAR indicate adding sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors to an endothelin receptor antagonist mitigates fluid retention and enhances albuminuria reduction

The diuretic effects achieved with sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may offset fluid retaining effects of the endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) atrasentan while effects on albuminuria and kidney protection of both drug classes may be complimentary due to distinct mechanisms of action. Here, post-hoc analysis of the SONAR trial, in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, show that six-weeks treatment with combined SGLT2i/atrasentan versus atrasentan alone decreased body weight, a surrogate for fluid retention, and further decreased albuminuria. Thus, these promising findings support future clinical studies to characterize the long-term efficacy and safety of combined SGLT2i/ERA treatment.