CureusMay 8, 2025

New Treatments for Managing Long-Term Kidney Disease

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by two to three times compared to those without CKD.

CKD management includes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.
Current pharmacological strategies focus on four main classes of medications known for their benefits to kidney and heart health.
Aldosterone activity remains partially blocked, contributing to the progression of kidney damage.
Aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs), like vicadrostat, may selectively inhibit aldosterone synthesis while preserving cortisol.
Early-phase trials indicate that ASIs may reduce albuminuria and offer potential renal protection.

Simplified

A major public health concern gripping the nation is chronic kidney disease (CKD), and for individuals concomitantly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the coexistence significantly increases the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by two to three times higher than patients diagnosed without CKD. CKD management encompasses both non-pharmacological approaches, such as dietary sodium restriction and lifestyle modification for blood pressure control, and pharmacological approaches. Current pharmacological management focuses on four key pillars: renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), all of which have shown renoprotective and cardiovascular benefits. An incomplete block of aldosterone activity remains a challenge and is one of the factors contributing to the progression of kidney damage. Aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs), such as vicadrostat, may represent a new horizon in selectively inhibiting aldosterone synthesis while preserving cortisol production. Early-phase trials have shown reductions in albuminuria and a potential for renal protection. The question is, could ASIs emerge as a fifth pillar in CKD management and help curb the progression?

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Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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New Treatments for Managing Long-Term Kidney Disease

Abstract

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