The management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has advanced significantly in recent years. Indeed, researchers continually seek new ways to protect patient kidney health. Therefore, clinicians welcomed the results of the landmark FIND-CKD trial. Specifically, this exploratory subgroup analysis evaluated the utility of finerenone in glomerular diseases. Consequently, nephrologists now have robust data regarding this drug’s potential for non-diabetic patients.
The Efficacy of Finerenone in Glomerular Diseases
Glomerular diseases represent a leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. However, targeted therapies for these conditions remain limited. In this trial, investigators enrolled 903 participants with various glomerular disorders. Specifically, the cohort included patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Furthermore, some patients had membranous nephropathy.
To evaluate the drug, researchers randomly assigned participants to receive once-daily finerenone or a placebo. Over a 32-month period, the team monitored the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in both groups. Consequently, they observed a significant difference between the two cohorts. Specifically, the annual rate of eGFR decline was slower with finerenone compared to placebo. Thus, the active treatment effectively preserved kidney function over time.
Slowing Decline and Reducing Albuminuria
Importantly, finerenone therapy led to other key clinical benefits. For instance, the treatment reduced albuminuria by 42% at month 12. Moreover, it lowered the risk of kidney failure or a sustained 40% decline in eGFR. This represents a 26% reduction in risk for these severe outcomes.
Additionally, the treatment effect remained consistent across different disease subtypes. For example, patients with IgA nephropathy and FSGS benefited similarly. Furthermore, baseline use of SGLT2 inhibitors did not alter these positive results. As a result, finerenone appears to be a versatile therapeutic option. Therefore, clinicians can consider this treatment for a broad range of non-diabetic kidney diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What did the trial discover about the use of finerenone in glomerular diseases?
The trial demonstrated that finerenone slowed kidney function decline. Additionally, it reduced albuminuria and lowered kidney failure risks.
Q2: Were the benefits of finerenone consistent across different glomerular disease subtypes?
Indeed, the benefits remained consistent across various subtypes. For example, both IgA nephropathy and FSGS patients responded well.
Q3: Did concurrent use of SGLT2 inhibitors affect the efficacy of finerenone?
No, baseline use of SGLT2 inhibitors did not alter the efficacy. Consequently, patients benefited regardless of concurrent therapy.
References
- Neuen BL et al. Finerenone in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Glomerular Diseases: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2026 Jun 05. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.9923. PMID: 42246414.
- Heerspink HJL et al. Finerenone in Patients with Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease (FIND-CKD). New England Journal of Medicine. 2026 Jun 05.
- Bayer Global. KERENDIA® (finerenone) Meets Primary Endpoint in Investigational Phase III FIND-CKD Study in Patients with Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease. March 16, 2026.