Chronic kidney disease affects around 800 million adults worldwide, according to SciTechDaily.
The condition can be serious because it increases the risk of kidney failure, heart disease, hospitalization, and premature death.
It can also be difficult to detect early, as many people do not experience symptoms until their kidneys have already been damaged.
Large study
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine involved 1,584 adults with chronic kidney disease who did not have diabetes.
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All participants had reduced kidney function and elevated levels of protein in their urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage.
The participants received either the drug finerenone or a placebo.
Both groups also received standard treatment commonly used to protect the kidneys and control blood pressure.
Researchers followed the patients for just over three years.
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Improved kidney function
The results showed that patients who received finerenone experienced a slower decline in kidney function than those who received the placebo.
After six months, they also showed a greater reduction in protein levels in their urine.
This is important because lower protein levels in the urine may indicate a more favorable outlook for kidney health.
The study also found a lower risk of serious kidney complications, hospitalization for heart failure, and death from cardiovascular disease.
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