Finerenone's Promise in Heart Failure and Kidney Disease

Abstract

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a pivotal role in cardiorenal disease progression, but steroidal MR antagonists (MRAs) are limited by hyperkalemia, hormonal side effects, and uncertain efficacy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Finerenone, a first-in-class nonsteroidal MRA, offers selective MR blockade with balanced tissue distribution, mitigating off-target effects while demonstrating cardiorenal benefits. Phase 3 trials (FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD, and FINEARTS-HF) show significant reductions in renal (18-21) and cardiovascular (13-16) composite endpoints, including HFpEF, where it reduced worsening heart failure events by 16. Unlike steroidal MRAs, finerenone reduces off-target effects while maintaining efficacy in HFpEF, a population with limited therapeutic options. This review synthesizes finerenone's pharmacological innovations, clinical evidence, and practical challenges, highlighting its potential as a transformative therapy in cardiorenal disease.