Manage And Slowing Kidney Disease with 2026 Medication Breakthroughs

Approximately 37 million American adults have chronic kidney disease. Ongoing research continues to uncover ways to help slow down this disease with new treatment choices.

As of 2026, several newly approved drugs are being recognized for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its subtypes, IgA nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and diabetic kidney disease. These medications often center around SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and MRAs. These drugs slow the progression of the disease, reduce protein in urine,  and lower cardiovascular risk. 

Here, we take a closer look at each drug category:

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Sodium-Glucose-Cotransporter 2 inhibitors are a class of oral medications that are used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. They work directly through the kidneys by reducing pressure and inflammation. Patients can often experience weight loss and lower blood pressure.

• Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) - This prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar back into the body. It also reduces pressure in the kidneys and heart. Common side effects are yeast infections, urinary tract infections, a runny nose, and dehydration/dizziness.

• Jardiance (Empagliflozin) - This helps the kidneys remove excess sugar and salt from the body through urine. There is no generic version available, and this medication can be used by all kidney patients (those who have diabetes and those who do not). Common side effects are increased urination, upper respiratory infections, joint pain, and nausea.

• Invokana (Canagliflozin) - By blocking the SGLT2 in the kidneys, it lowers the blood sugar and reduces the strain on the kidneys and heart. It is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes and severe kidney problems. Common side effects are increased urination and thirst, constipation, and nausea.

• Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) - Excess sugar is removed from the body in the urine. It is not for patients with type 1 diabetes and is not recommended for those on dialysis. Clinical trials show Steglatro to have little effect on heart disease. Common side effects are infections, increased urination, headache, and thirst.

• Brenzavvy (Bexagliflozin) - For patients with type 2 diabetes. It works through the kidneys to reduce excess sugar through urine. Common side effects are infections and increased urination.

GLP-1 Agonists

These are powerful medications that are typically used for diabetes and weight loss. They also protect the kidneys by slowing down disease progression, reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, decreasing protein in urine, and improving heart health in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are recommended for CKD patients because they protect the kidneys and the heart.

• Ozempic or Wegovy (Semaglutide) - This medication is a significant development for kidney health. It has shown a 24% lower risk of major kidney events in large clinical trials.

• Mounjaro or Zepbound (Tirzepatide) - This drug can slow the decline of kidney function and reduce protein in the urine. In trials, Mounjaro lowered the risk of major kidney issues such as eGFR decline, renal death, and progression to end-stage kidney disease. 

• Victoza or Saxenda (Liraglutide) - Studies show that Victoza can slow the loss of kidney function in patients with pre-existing diabetic kidney disease. It helps improve blood sugar control and heart health. But its gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) can lead to dehydration, which can worsen existing kidney disease. Close monitoring is recommended.

ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors are medications that relax and widen blood vessels by blocking an enzyme that constricts them. This lowers blood pressure, reduces the strain on the heart, and treats kidney disease. These drugs help the kidneys by removing salt and water, which lowers blood pressure.

• Vasotec (Enalapril) - This medication helps to protect the kidneys by slowing the progression of damage (especially in patients with diabetic nephropathy and other forms of kidney disease). It decreases protein in the urine (a key sign of kidney stress and damage). This drug requires close medical supervision.

• Zestril (Lisinopril) - Helps slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease, specifically in patients with high blood pressure or diabetes. It relaxes the blood vessels in the kidney and improves blood flow. Zestril can sometimes cause or worsen kidney problems; careful monitoring is needed.

• Altace (Ramipril) - This is a protective medication commonly used to slow the progression of kidney disease. It helps prevent kidney problems and may delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

ARBs

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers are medications that are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease. These drugs cause blood vessels to relax and widen and are frequently prescribed when patients can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors.

• Cozaar (Losartan) - This medication slows the progression of diabetic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure and protein in the urine. These reduce the strain on the kidneys and heart.

• Diovan (Valsartan) - Studies show that Valsartan can significantly decrease protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, this medication can delay the need for dialysis.

• Avapro (Irbesartan) - This medication is similar to Cozaar and Diovan. It treats diabetic kidney disease. In high-risk patients, it can rarely cause sudden kidney damage, especially when combined with NSAIDs, diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

MRAs

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists are a class of medications that block the effects of the hormone, aldosterone. This hormone helps regulate blood pressure and electrolytes. These receptors are found in tissues like the brain, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. They cause the kidneys to excrete salt and water, which helps to lower blood pressure. 

MRAs primarily treat hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease. Precautions should be taken for patients with kidney disease, liver disease, and those with high potassium levels. These medications reduce inflammation and fibrosis, which helps protect the kidneys.

• Aldactone (Spironolactone) - This is a diuretic that can treat fluid retention from kidney or liver issues. It makes you urinate more to remove salt and water, but keeps your potassium in your body (unlike other diuretics). While taking this medication, it is crucial to monitor electrolytes and avoid potassium supplements.

• Inspra (Eplerenone) - This drug also removes excess salt and water from the body, reduces fluid retention, and lowers blood pressure. Common side effects are dizziness, headache, and cough.

• Kerendia (Finerenone) - a non-steroidal medication used to treat chronic kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes. It slows the progression of kidney disease by blocking inflammation and scarring due to overactive steroids. It is often used alongside ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Can cause high potassium, low sodium, and low blood pressure.

Conclusion

All medications that treat kidney disease aim to slow progression, manage symptoms, and prevent complications, like a heart attack or stroke. They focus on protecting the kidneys. Patients with chronic kidney disease need regular blood tests to monitor kidney function. Be cautious with over-the-counter medications (Advil, Aleve) and prescription drugs that can increase kidney damage.

More Kidney Disease News