Finerenone and other future therapeutic options for Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome is a rare genetic disease that results in disordered basement membrane type IV collagen resulting in haematuria, proteinuria and often development of renal fibrosis leading to progressive kidney disease. The therapeutic blockage of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which slows the progression to kidney failure, is supported by strong evidence. Recent clinical trials using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in patients with chronic kidney disease have changed the therapeutic landscape. Patients with Alport syndrome and progressive kidney disease may benefit from treatment with MRAs because research has shown that these drugs are nephroprotective through a variety of mechanisms, including by preventing fibrosis. Ongoing clinical trials show great promise in order to help establish the long-term safety and efficacy of Finerenone, a MRA. This review discusses the evidence for the use of MRAs as a potential treatment in Alport syndrome that may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and prevent patients reaching kidney failure.