Major trials show finerenone preserves kidney function beyond diabetes

A series of major studies has shown that finerenone preserves kidney function, reduces cardiovascular risk, and improves survival across a much broader range of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than it is currently recommended for. These benefits extend beyond diabetes to non-diabetic CKD and glomerular diseases.

The findings were presented today at the European Renal Association Congress in Glasgow, UK and simultaneously published in three of the world's leading medical journals The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA – a rare achievement in clinical research.

The FIND-CKD trial, led by The George Institute's Professor Hiddo Heerspink and UNSW Sydney's Professor Vlado Perkovic, assessed finerenone in 1,584 patients with non-diabetic CKD from 24 countries. When added to standard care, finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline. The trial also showed that finerenone reduced the risk of kidney failure, CKD progression, heart failure, or cardiovascular death by 23%. These results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Associate Professor Brendon Neuen, Lead Global Clinical Trialist at The George Institute, said the findings support finerenone as a foundational therapy for CKD.

"Although diabetes is the single most common cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide, most people living with CKD do not have diabetes and currently have few effective treatment options. Addressing this unmet need is critical, as improving outcomes in non-diabetic CKD has the potential to substantially reduce the global burden of kidney disease."

Across all three studies, finerenone was generally well tolerated. Hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium levels) occurred more frequently with finerenone compared to placebo, but rates of treatment discontinuation and hospitalization due to hyperkalemia were low.

A/Prof Neuen said, "Taken together, these findings suggest that expanding the use of finerenone in patients with CKD has the potential to meaningfully reduce kidney failure and cardiovascular complications for millions of people worldwide."

Source:

George Institute for Global Health

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