Finerenone Shows Kidney Benefits in Type 1 Diabetes
Adults with kidney disease saw reduced albumin levels, offering a potential new treatment pathway for patients.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Diabetes
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New phase 3 clinical trial results indicate that the medication finerenone provides kidney-protective benefits for adults with chronic kidney disease and type 1 diabetes. These findings follow the FDA's September 2026 approval of the drug for this specific patient population.
Why it matters
Managing kidney health in patients with type 1 diabetes is complex, and researchers are evaluating how finerenone can serve as an additional tool alongside standard therapies to slow disease progression. Understanding these trial results helps patients discuss potential new treatment pathways with their healthcare team.
In the 242-participant FINE-ONE trial, finerenone demonstrated a 25% relative reduction in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio over 6 months. Additionally, the 1,584-participant FIND-CKD trial showed that the medication slowed the annual eGFR decline by 0.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, confirming benefits across specific glomerular diseases.
The players
FDA
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating pharmaceutical safety and efficacy.
ASN Kidney Week
An annual scientific meeting hosted by the American Society of Nephrology to share advancements in kidney research and care.
The details
Finerenone functions as an additive supportive treatment that works alongside standard care, including SGLT2 inhibition and RAS inhibition. By targeting underlying biological pathways of kidney damage, the drug helps stabilize kidney function, as seen in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis who experienced an eGFR decline rate of 4.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Researchers used data from type 2 diabetes patients tracked for 3.5 years to estimate potential long-term benefits in the type 1 diabetes group.
Timeline
September 2026: FDA approved finerenone for type 1 diabetes-associated CKD.
October 21-25, 2026: ASN Kidney Week 2026 conference held in Denver, Colorado.
Health Landscape
This development marks a shift in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, moving from a primary focus on type 2 diabetes to broader applications. The findings from the FIND-CKD trial help clarify the role of finerenone in the wider landscape of managing non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic kidney conditions.
If you have type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, these results provide a basis for an informed conversation with your nephrologist about new treatment options. Ask your care team whether adding finerenone to your current SGLT2 or RAS inhibitor regimen could be appropriate for your specific stage of kidney disease.
The takeaway
Finerenone is showing promise as an effective, additive therapy to slow the progression of kidney disease in diverse patient groups. Keep track of your urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and annual eGFR results, and review them regularly with your doctor to monitor how your treatment plan is performing.
Further reading
For more information on current management strategies, visit Diabetes.
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