The conference brought together leading experts in cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology, attracting over 1,000 doctors and pharmacists. It also marked the 10-year anniversary of the global publication of the Empa-REG Outcome study, a milestone that established Empagliflozin as a game-changer in the approach to cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.

The conference series themed "Pioneering optimal cardio-renal-metabolic protection: Every timely decision - many lives saved". Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

The conference series themed "Pioneering optimal cardio-renal-metabolic protection: Every timely decision - many lives saved". Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

During the conference, experts analyzed the 10-year journey of Empagliflozin in clinical practice, from its initial use in controlling blood sugar in diabetes patients to its expanded indications in treating heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Case studies highlighted the importance of early intervention, a multidisciplinary approach, and personalized treatment to improve and extend patients' lives.

Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Heart Association, emphasized the pivotal role of the Empa-REG Outcome study in reshaping treatment guidelines for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. "Empagliflozin is the first SGLT2i in Vietnam indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetes patients with cardiovascular disease by 38%. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure by 35%," Professor Viet said.

Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Heart Association. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Heart Association. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

Regarding chronic kidney disease management, Associate Professor Do Gia Tuyen, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Hanoi Medical University, affirmed Empagliflozin's role in renal protection across a broad spectrum of patients, delaying the need for renal replacement therapy by up to 26.6 years.

From an international perspective, Professor Piotr Ponikowski, former President of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC, highlighted Empagliflozin's clinical effectiveness in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reducing complications, improving disease progression, and enhancing quality of life. He also noted that Empagliflozin is the first agent approved to treat heart failure patients regardless of ejection fraction, covering a wide range of cases.

Professor Piotr Ponikowski, former President of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

Professor Piotr Ponikowski, former President of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC. Photo: Boehringer Ingelheim

Doctor Nguyen Quoc Binh from Cho Ray Hospital noted that cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases pose a significant burden on healthcare systems both in Vietnam and globally. With proven efficacy and inclusion in reputable international and domestic treatment guidelines, Empagliflozin offers a comprehensive and simple therapy that protects the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system. It suits a wide range of patients, from those with type 2 diabetes to those with heart failure and chronic kidney disease, delivering long-term health benefits and reducing the economic burden on the healthcare system.

In Vietnam, diabetes is becoming a serious public health issue, affecting approximately 30% of adults aged 35 to 59. By 2030, it is projected to be among the top 7 causes of death and disability. The total cost of treating diabetes in Vietnam currently exceeds 10 trillion VND, 70% of which is spent on managing complications.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, while kidney disease and diabetes are among the top 4 causes of increased disease burden in Vietnam. The link between the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system impacts not only disease correlation but also lifespan. A person with diabetes can lose an average of 6 years of healthy life, a figure that can rise to 11 years with the addition of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack.

In 2019, Vietnam recorded about 10 million cases of kidney disease, with over 21,000 deaths. Dialysis costs reached 4 trillion VND, and the current 5,500 dialysis machines meet only 30% of the needs of chronic kidney disease patients. By 2021, chronic kidney disease had become the 7th leading cause of death, and it is projected to rise to 5th place by 2040 without effective intervention.

Underlying conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are leading risk factors for chronic kidney disease. However, early diagnosis remains limited. Nearly 51% of patients with type 2 diabetes are missed in kidney disease diagnosis. This rate rises to 68% in hypertensive patients with heart failure or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These figures underscore the need for early screening and proactive treatment of chronic kidney disease in high-risk populations.

A comprehensive therapy in managing diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

With its insulin-independent mechanism of action, Empagliflozin promotes glucose excretion through urine and offers comprehensive treatment benefits. Large-scale studies like Empa-REG Outcome have demonstrated its efficacy, reducing the risk of cardiovascular death by 38%, all-cause mortality by 32%, hospitalization for heart failure by 35%, and kidney disease progression by 39% in diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. Other studies, such as Emperor Reduced, Emperor Preserved, Empulse, and Empa Kidney, have shown similar results.

In Vietnam, from 2018 to the present, Boehringer Ingelheim estimates that over 461,000 patients have been treated with Empagliflozin. This treatment has saved over 21,600 lives annually, prevented over 17,000 cardiovascular deaths, 67,000 renal events, and over 2.6 million hospitalizations, saving the healthcare system approximately 588 billion VND in dialysis costs.

Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, Head of Cardio-Metabolic-Renal at Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam, shared at the conference: "We believe that every timely treatment decision today lays the foundation for protecting many lives in the future. Empagliflozin demonstrates Boehringer Ingelheim's patient-centric commitment, from clinical research to practical application." Ms. Thuy added that Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to invest in research and expand collaboration with the medical community to bring innovative medical solutions closer to the people.

The Dan

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company operating in human and animal health. With research and development as a top priority, the company focuses on developing solutions in areas of high unmet medical need. Independently operating since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim maintains a long-term vision, emphasizing sustainability throughout its value chain. Today, the company has a network of over 54,500 employees working in over 130 markets. Learn more here.