Lubiprostone Slows Kidney Decline in CKD Trial
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- Lubiprostone was given to 150 moderate‑CKD patients in a multicenter Phase II trial (LUBI‑CKD) across nine Japanese hospitals.
- Lubiprostone treatment at 8 µg or 16 µg slowed the decline in eGFR compared with placebo, showing a dose‑dependent benefit.
- Lubiprostone altered gut microbiota, boosting spermidine‑producing bacteria that support mitochondrial health and reduce renal injury.
- Lubiprostone therefore emerges as a repurposed therapy targeting the gut‑kidney axis for chronic kidney disease.
Why it matters: CKD patients receive a low‑cost, repurposed drug that slows eGFR decline, a key kidney health metric; the 150‑patient trial delivers a concrete efficacy signal for regulators, lowering dialysis‑related expenses.
