From today, thousands of patients with type two diabetes and kidney disease will be able to access vital medication through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The drug, Kerendia, slows kidney function decline in adults and it’s expected about 26,000 Australians will be eligible to take it.

About 12,000 people with diabetes-induced kidney failure have dialysis each year and chronic kidney disease contributes to 11 per cent of deaths in Australia.

Diabetes harms the kidney’s filtering system over time and the organ becomes damaged even in patients with well managed blood glucose levels.

Endocrinologist Professor Richard MacIsaac said the listing was welcome news because diabetes-induced kidney disease had now reached epidemic levels.

“Despite making progress in the area, we need to do more to slow the progression of the disease, with the goal of avoiding or at least delaying, life-altering dialysis treatment,” Prof MacIsaac said.