Investigational new drugs for the treatment of chronic renal failure: an overview of the literature

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2024 Apr;33(4):319-334. doi: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2326624. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widespread throughout the world, with a high social and health impact. It is considered a 'silent killer' for its sudden onset without symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The main goal of nephrologists is to slow the progression of kidney disease and treat the associated symptoms with a range of new medications.

Areas covered: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the new investigational drugs for the treatment of chronic renal failure. Data were obtained from the available scientific literature and from the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

Expert opinion: Among the drugs currently being researched, SGLT2 inhibitors appear to be the most promising drugs for the treatment of CKD, has they have slower progression of CKD and protection of cardiorenal function. An important role in the future of CKD treatment is played by autologous cell-therapy, which appears to be a new frontier in the treatment of CKD. Other therapeutic strategies are currently being investigated and have been shown to slow the progression of CKD. However, further studies are needed to determine whether these approaches may offer benefits in slowing the progression of CKD in the near future.

Keywords: CKD; HIF inhibitors; SGLT2i; chronic kidney disease; diabetic kidney disease; novel treatments; renal failure.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Drugs, Investigational / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic* / prevention & control
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors