An evaluation of KBP-5074 in advanced chronic kidney disease with uncontrolled hypertension

INTRODUCTION: Resistant hypertension (RH) is more prevalent in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to a greater likelihood of poor cardiovascular and renal outcomes. However, RH often goes untreated in this population as the currently available recommended add-on therapy, steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) such as spironolactone and eplerenone, may lead to unacceptable side effects, mainly hyperkalemia in a cohort with reduced kidney function. KBP-5074 is a novel non-steroidal MRA that addresses the unmet need of treating RH in the CKD population without hyperkalemia. AREAS COVERED: We provide an overview of the current state of RH treatment in stage 3B/4 CKD as it relates to available steroidal MRAs and the current limitations of this treatment. We then explore the emerging data on nonsteroidal MRAs, particularly the novel agent KBP-5074 and its applicability to treatment in this context. EXPERT OPINION: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial, the novel nonsteroidal MRA KBP-5074 demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety in treating RH in stage 3B/4 CKD and offers a potential new treatment option in this population at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CKD progression.