Data only tells part of the story…

At Bayer, we direct our research and development efforts to areas of greatest unmet medical need. Put simply, we invest in innovation with patients in mind.

A major area of focus for Bayer is chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes. This is not only a ballooning health issue, but one for which new treatment options are desperately needed.

This is why medical experts and advocates joined Bayer in welcoming the news that from 1 July, Kerendia (finerenone) will be funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to delay the progressive decline of kidney function for thousands of Australians with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes (with albuminuria, meaning protein in the urine), in addition to standard of care.(1)

Today is one of celebration.

We commend the Federal Government for addressing the growing tide of diabetes-induced kidney disease and providing access to Kerendia for Australians living with this potentially life-threatening condition.

Kidney disease is one of the most common and dangerous complications of type 2 diabetes.(2) In Australia, rates of diabetes-induced kidney failure have risen three-fold in the last 20 years,(3) making dialysis the leading cause of hospitalisation in the country.(4)

However, we must remember that data only tells part of the story. Behind every health statistic or clinical datapoint are the trials, tribulations and hopes of people for whom our medicines are researched, developed and ultimately made available.

This rings very true for me, having recently lost a dear family friend to diabetic kidney disease, after a late diagnosis. This not only changed her life, but her family’s as well. She had to spend 3 long days of the week in hospital for dialysis during those final years, and her nearest and dearest were there to support and care for her through this arduous experience.

By contrast, I was struck today by one gentleman’s comment: “I am lucky that my kidney problem was picked up early. It is important to tackle it now in the early stages, and not to let it get worse. I can’t think of anything worse than having to spend every second day in hospital having dialysis”.

What a poignant reminder of what medicines are all about, and what clinical trial data can never fully capture – that what we do helps real people live their lives to the fullest for as long as possible.

Bayer is proud to play a role in addressing some of the biggest health challenges confronting Australians, and in helping strengthen our communities. We are passionate about helping people live better, healthier lives and playing our part in improving the standard of care for Australians living with complex chronic conditions, including diabetic-kidney disease.

(1).?????Australia Government Department of Health. Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. 2023. Available at: https://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/home, July 2023.

(2).?????National Kidney Foundation (US). Does Type 2 Diabete Increase Your Risk for Kidney Disease? Yes. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/does-type-2-diabetes-increase-your-risk-kidney-disease-yes

(3).?????Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Chronic Kidney Disease: Australian Facts – Data Tables. Available at:??https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease/data

(4).?????Diabetes Australia. Shine a Light: Saving Lives by Better Detecting Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease. 2023

Bayer Australia Ltd, ABN 22 000 1 38 714, 875 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW 2073.

Ph: (02) 9391 6000. Date of Preparation: June 2023 / COR-M_FIN-AU-0010-2