Drug for Constipation Reduces Progression of Kidney Disease: Japanese Researchers

In a groundbreaking discovery, a clinical trial conducted by a team of Japanese researchers has demonstrated that the existing constipation drug lubiprostone can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

The trial, which took place from 2016 to 2019, involved 118 patients with moderate to severe decline in kidney function. The participants were divided into two groups, one of which was administered with lubiprostone, while the other received a placebo. The trial monitored both groups for 24 weeks.

The research team, led by Dr. Masaki Kobayashi of Tohoku University, hypothesized that constipation, a common issue among chronic kidney disease patients, might disrupt the intestinal environment, thereby reducing renal function. This is the first time the drug's effect of maintaining renal function in humans has been demonstrated.

The finding, published in the U.S. journal Science Advances on August 30, marks an important step forward in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. If the disease progresses, artificial dialysis may become necessary. Currently, no drug is available to improve kidney function.

It's worth noting that the trial did not involve artificial dialysis. Approximately one in eight adults in Japan is estimated to have chronic kidney disease, making this discovery particularly significant for the region.

This research was conducted entirely in Japan, offering a promising homegrown solution to a widespread health issue. The team's work underscores the potential for repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic applications, opening up a world of possibilities for future medical research.

Drug for Constipation Reduces Progression of Kidney Disease: Japanese Researchers