New treatment approved for CKD associated with type 2 diabetes

Health Canada has approved Bayer's Kerendia® (finerenone) as an adjunct to standard treatment for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (TD2). CKD occurs in up to 40% of patients with TD2. It can even reduce life expectancy by up to 16 years compared to the general population. "In T2D, mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation is thought to contribute to CKD progression which can be driven by metabolic, haemodynamic or inflammation and fibrosis factors,” Bayer shared in a statement. Read: Low-carb vegan diet as effective as vegetarian approach for weight loss, glycemic control Finerenone is a selective nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that blocks the harmful effects associated with overactivation of mineralocorticoid receptors. Health Canada's approval is based on the results of two clinical studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing positive effects on renal and cardiovascular parameters in patients with diabetes. Indeed, this adjunctive therapy reduces the risk of end-stage renal disease, sustained decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate, cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and hospitalization for heart failure. Kerendia® was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2021 and cleared for marketing by the European Commission in February 2022. Clinical studies The first study (FIDELIO-DKD) compared finerenone to placebo, based on efficacy and safety in reducing the risk of kidney failure and progression of kidney disease in approximately 5,700 patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes. “Treatment with finerenone resulted in a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events compared to placebo,” noted the study. Read: Type 2 diabetes medication update The second study (FIGARO-DKD) compared finerenone with a placebo, administered in combination with the standard treatment, from the point of view of the reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It was carried out on approximately 7,400 patients with CKD and T2D, in 47 countries. However, in patients with T2D and stage 2 to 4 CKD with moderately elevated albuminuria or stage 1 or 2 CKD with severely elevated albuminuria, treatment with finerenone improved cardiovascular outcomes compared to placebo, reports the study. Kerendia® comes in 10 mg and 20 mg tablets according to the product monograph. This article has been translated from its original French and originally appeared on our sister site Profession Santé. Read: How income influences diabetes management

New treatment approved for CKD associated with type 2 diabetes

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