Non-steroidal MRA for CKD & T2DM

Finerenone is the first non-steroidal mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist (MRA) shown to protect both kidneys and heart in diabetic CKD.
Mechanism of Action
Finerenone selectively blocks the mineralocorticoid receptor, dampening inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney & myocardium.
Indications & Dosing
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) | Start Dose |
|---|---|
| ≥ 60 | 20 mg once daily |
| 25 – 59 | 10 mg once daily |
| < 25 | Use not recommended |
FDA-approved for CKD + T2DM with UACR ≥ 30 mg/g and eGFR ≥ 25 :KDIGO guideline
Monitoring / Safety
✅ Hyperkalemia: check K⁺ at baseline, 4 weeks, then every 3-6 months
✅ Hold / reduce if K⁺ > 5.5 mEq/L
✅ Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Key Trials
| Trial | Population | Primary outcome | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIDELIO-DKD 2020 | CKD (eGFR 25-60) + T2DM | ↓ Kidney failure/progression | Renal protection (↓ CKD progression) |
| FIGARO-DKD 2021 | Broader CKD (eGFR ≥25) + T2DM | ↓ CV death/MI/stroke/HF | CV protection (↓ HF, CV events) |
Pearl: Finerenone can be added on top of an SGLT-2 inhibitor for additive renal/CV protection (CONFIDENCE study).
Quick Benefits
- 🩺 Renal: Slows CKD progression (↓ UACR, ↓ eGFR decline)..
- 💓 Cardio: : Reduces CV death, HF hospitalization, and nonfatal MI/stroke..
References
- KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Stevens, Paul E. et al. Kidney International, Volume 105, Issue 4, S117 – S314
- Pitt B, Filippatos G, Agarwal R, et al. Cardiovascular Events with Finerenone in Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(24):2252-2263. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2110956.
- Ruilope LM, Pitt B, Anker SD, et al. Kidney outcomes with finerenone: an analysis from the FIGARO-DKD study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2023;38(2):372–383. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfac157
- Agarwal, R., Green, J. B., Heerspink, H. J. L., Mann, J. F. E., McGill, J. B., Mottl, A. K., Rosenstock, J., Rossing, P., Vaduganathan, M., Brinker, M., Edfors, R., Li, N., Scheerer, M. F., Scott, C., & Nangaku, M. (2025). Finerenone with Empagliflozin in Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2410659
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