Jardiance: A Revolution in the Treatment of Diabetes, Heart Failure and Kidney Disease

Long regarded as a treatment intended exclusively for type 2 diabetes, Jardiance (empagliflozin) has gradually established itself as one of the most innovative medications of the past decade. In Israel, its use continues to expand, driven by clinical results that go far beyond simple blood glucose control. Today, the drug is also prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients suffering from heart failure and to slow the progression of certain forms of chronic kidney disease.

Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, Jardiance belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Its mechanism of action is distinctive: it works in the kidneys by promoting the excretion of glucose through the urine, thereby lowering blood glucose levels independently of insulin. This approach can also contribute to modest weight loss and a reduction in blood pressure in some patients.

In Israel, Jardiance has been included in the national health basket (Sal Briut) since 2017 for certain indications related to type 2 diabetes. Over the years, reimbursement criteria have been expanded to incorporate new scientific evidence demonstrating the drug’s cardiovascular and renal benefits.

Current recommendations from Israel’s Ministry of Health go well beyond diabetes treatment. The medication is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control, as well as to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with established cardiovascular disease. It is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization among people with heart failure, and to slow the deterioration of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk of disease progression.

This evolution reflects a profound transformation in modern medicine. Whereas diabetes treatments once focused primarily on controlling blood glucose levels, newer medications are now evaluated according to their ability to prevent major complications, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.

In Israel, where chronic diseases account for a significant proportion of healthcare expenditure, these developments are being closely monitored. The country’s major health funds, including Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit, incorporate Jardiance into their treatment protocols according to the criteria established by the national health basket and the recommendations of medical specialists.

The use of Jardiance nevertheless requires medical monitoring. Like any medication, it can cause side effects, including an increased risk of urinary tract and genital infections due to the higher presence of glucose in the urine. It is contraindicated in certain situations, and its use must be adjusted according to the patient’s kidney function.

The growing interest in Jardiance illustrates the emergence of a new generation of treatments capable of addressing several chronic conditions simultaneously. By reducing not only blood glucose levels but also hospitalizations related to heart failure and the progression of kidney disease, the drug is helping to reshape the management of high-risk patients.

In a country such as Israel, known for the quality of its healthcare system and its rapid adoption of medical innovations, Jardiance is increasingly regarded as an important treatment in addressing the complications associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. Its evolution illustrates the broader shift toward a model of medicine focused not only on treating disease, but increasingly on preventing serious complications before they occur.

Caroline Haïat