A large phase 3 trial has found that finerenone, a drug that blocks a hormone linked to kidney scarring, slowed the loss of kidney function in adults with chronic kidney disease who do not have diabetes.
The findings come from the FIND-CKD trial, published by the New England Journal of Medicine. In adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) — a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood — those taking finerenone saw a slower decline in their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the standard measure of how well the kidneys are working, compared with those given a placebo over 32 months.
Finerenone belongs to a class of medicines called nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. These drugs work by blocking a hormone receptor that, when overactivated, can cause inflammation and scarring in the kidneys and heart.
Until now, much of the research into finerenone focused on people who have both CKD and type 2 diabetes. This trial specifically looked at adults without diabetes — a group that has had fewer treatment options studied in late-stage clinical trials.
The result matters because CKD affects around three million people in the UK, according to the NHS, and its progression can eventually lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.
The NEJM posted the full phase 3 results and a research summary for clinicians and researchers to review.
Anyone concerned about their kidney health, or living with a CKD diagnosis, should speak to their GP rather than adjusting any current medication. NHS 111 is available around the clock for non-emergency health queries.
Key information
- Speak to your GP before making any changes to kidney-related medication
- NHS 111 (call or online) is available 24 hours a day for health advice
- Kidney Care UK helpline: 01420 541424 for support and information on living with kidney disease
Source: @NEJM
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