The next generation of therapeutics for chronic kidney disease

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2016 Aug;15(8):568-88. doi: 10.1038/nrd.2016.67. Epub 2016 May 27.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure for this disease, with current treatment strategies relying on blood pressure control through blockade of the renin-angiotensin system. Such approaches only delay the development of end-stage kidney disease and can be associated with serious side effects. Recent identification of several novel mechanisms contributing to CKD development - including vascular changes, loss of podocytes and renal epithelial cells, matrix deposition, inflammation and metabolic dysregulation - has revealed new potential therapeutic approaches for CKD. This Review assesses emerging strategies and agents for CKD treatment, highlighting the associated challenges in their clinical development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Renal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Renal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Renal Circulation / drug effects
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / physiopathology

Substances

  • Renal Agents