From Evidence to Access: Integrating SGLT2 Inhibitors Across the Cardiorenal-Metabolic Continuum

Program Description:

Cardiorenal-metabolic (CRM) syndrome is defined by a multidirectional relationship between the metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal systems, where dysfunction in one organ precipitates and accelerates damage in the others. This multimorbidity is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States, with more than 90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes having at least one other CRM comorbidity. For managed care pharmacists, the burden of overlapping CRM conditions has contributed to increased annual health care resource utilization and costs. Despite sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors being recognized as foundational therapy for heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of diabetes status, restrictive utilization management including step-therapy requirements and prior authorization challenges can contribute to clinical inertia and delay access to these therapies. This activity equips managed care professionals and pharmacists to move beyond reactive management of CRM conditions by translating clinical trial data and real-world evidence into actionable value-based strategies. Participants will gain a cohesive understanding of the CRM disease continuum and the central role of SGLT2 inhibitors as foundational therapy in alignment with multisociety guidelines. Presenters will also guide participants through strategies to develop evidence-informed formularies and approaches to implement innovative outcomes-based agreements keyed to HF hospitalizations or CKD progression to responsibly improve patient outcomes while managing the long-term costs associated with CRM disease.

Target audience: Managed Care Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application

Release date: June 25, 2026

Expiration date: August 25, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Determine the shared pathophysiologic mechanisms, disease progression, and economic impact of cardiorenal-metabolic (CRM) conditions on earlier risk identification and opportunities for coordinated management
• Interpret clinical trial data, guideline recommendations, and comparative evidence related to sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors across the CRM continuum to inform patient-centered care strategies
• Construct evidence-informed formulary and benefit design approaches that leverage real-world evidence, cost-effectiveness data, and outcomes-based frameworks to enhance patient access, support individualized treatment decisions, improve adherence, and align total cost of care with the demonstrated value of SGLT2 inhibitors

Accreditation Information

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-048-L01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through July 25, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Amy M. Lugo, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, FAPhA, has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Adam Welch, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA; Macara Desai; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated. 

At least one anonymous peer reviewer has been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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