Many of these treatments are still being studied or newly approved. Be sure to talk to your doctor about whether they're right for you and check back as new options become available.
 

New ways to manage my CKD symptoms

Research is underway to improve treatments for the following:

• Dotinurad is a newer medicine designed to help the kidneys remove more uric acid from the body. It is already approved in Japan and China. This research may help show whether dotinurad could become another option for managing gout and high uric acid.
• Veverimer for metabolic acidosis in CKD: Veverimer is an oral medicine being studied for adults with CKD and metabolic acidosis, a condition that happens when too much acid builds up in the body. It is designed to help remove acid and raise bicarbonate levels. Researchers are now studying whether it can safely help people with moderate-to-severe CKD in the Phase 3 REVIVE trial.
• Anemia: A recent study shows that vadadustat (Vafseo), an oral medication taken once daily, is just as effective as injectable treatments for managing anemia in dialysis patients.
• Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels): A potential new treatment for high phosphorus levels in patients receiving dialysis, oxylanthanum carbonate, is currently under FDA review. It's a phosphate binder that works by preventing phosphate in the foods you eat from being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Plain language summaries explain research studies in clear, everyday language. They are designed to help patients and care partners understand what a study was about, what researchers found, and what the results may mean without needing to read a technical journal article. These summaries can be a helpful way to explore new developments in kidney care, including emerging treatments and rare disease research. Learn more.

Developments in kidney transplants 

There are more than 90,000 people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and there aren't enough kidneys for everyone who needs them. However, scientists are exploring additional ways to make transplants more accessible. Only about 1 in 3 people waiting received a transplant last year.

Donated kidneys

• The Room Temperature Machine Perfusion (RTMP) device could make more kidneys available for transplant. Many donated kidneys are not used today because they can be damaged during storage. This device keeps kidneys healthy longer and lets doctors test how well they work before surgery. The FDA recently gave the device breakthrough status, which speeds up review of technologies that could improve patient care.

Artificial kidneys

Scientists are working on developing lab-grown kidneys and new machines to give people with kidney failure options other than going on dialysis and waiting for a kidney transplant. Artificial kidneys grown from a patient's own cells are designed to work like real kidneys without the risk of rejection. They could be available as soon as 2030.

Symptom management can vary from person to person. These treatments may not be available to everyone or may still be under review. Ask your care team what's currently recommended for your situation.

Teaching the immune system to accept transplants

A recent trial is testing a one-time cell therapy (MDR-101) that could help kidney transplant recipients live without anti-rejection drugs. Conducted between March 2018 and April 2024, the treatment uses the donor's stem cells (special cells that can turn into many different types of cells in the body) to retrain the immune system to accept the new kidney as its own. 

Medicines to prevent transplant rejection

In a recent clinical trial, adults whose immune systems are at high risk of rejecting donor kidneys experienced improved kidney function at 12 months when receiving imlifidase (Idefirix) prior to transplant, compared to patients who did not receive imlifidase. This medicine addresses the needs of patients who experience long wait times on the transplant list. Studies show this treatment can help their bodies accept a new kidney, making transplants possible for those who need them most. It is currently under FDA review and may be available in December 2026.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in kidney care
AI is opening new possibilities in kidney care. Researchers are exploring how it may help find kidney disease earlier, identify people at higher risk, support treatment decisions, and speed up the search for new therapies. AI may be useful, but it is not always accurate, complete, or right for your situation. If you find kidney health information through an AI tool, check it with your doctor or health care team before making decisions about your care.

New opportunities in dialysis

For many people with kidney failure, dialysis is a necessary but challenging part of life. Technologies are being developed to improve the dialysis experience by making treatment more efficient, convenient, and accessible.

Implantable dialysis system

The Holly™ system, an implantable dialysis device designed to work continuously inside the body, has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. This device is designed to mimic natural kidney function by filtering waste, balancing fluids and managing electrolytes, reducing the need for traditional, center-based dialysis. In-human studies may start as early as 2027.

Portable dialysis machines 

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill are developing a new membrane technology to create a portable (easily carried) dialysis device as small as a smartphone. Powered by the patient's own blood pressure, this would dramatically improve quality of life by reducing the time spent on traditional dialysis.

Home hemodialysis

Technological advancements have led to the development of user-friendly home hemodialysis machines equipped with remote monitoring capabilities.

While new dialysis technologies show promise, some may still be in development or not widely available. Talk to your care team about what's currently offered and what's coming soon.

Recent breakthroughs in genetic testing related to kidney disease

• New tool to access MUC1 gene variants: A genetic testing method, VNtyper, a tool that detects MUC1 gene variants, which causes a rare genetic kidney disease called autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease. Researchers found that this mutation might affect more people than previously thought, even those without a family history or classic symptoms.
• Risk score predicts CKD in African Americans: A recent study developed a risk score for CKD in African Americans that showed promising results in predicting prevalent CKD and lower eGFR, suggesting that it can be used in evaluating CKD risk. The study also found that changes in how genes are turned on or off, which can be influenced by environment and lifestyle, may play a role in CKD development, especially in communities facing health disparities.
• Genetic map to detect kidney disease: University of Pennsylvania researchers have created the most detailed genetic map of kidney function to date, identifying over 1,000 related genes. Their "Kidney Disease Genetic Scorecard" could help doctors personalize care by pinpointing genetic risk factors.
• RENTAC system: A new medicine delivery method that targets therapies directly to kidney cells. This could revolutionize treatments for kidney diseases like fibrosis. Targeted approaches offer a future where kidney disease treatments are more tailored.
• Genetic testing helps identify CKD of unknown cause: A recent study found that a type of advanced genetic testing, called massive parallel sequencing, can identify a genetic cause in about 17% of adults with unexplained CKD, especially in those diagnosed before age 50. The findings suggest that genetic testing can improve CKD diagnosis and care.

If you're curious about testing, ask your doctor about available options, and follow updates as research continues.

Advancements in rare disease treatments and research

Rare kidney diseases often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, so getting tested is important. Research is ongoing to find treatments for many rare diseases to prevent and delay kidney disease progression.

Kidney cancer

Belzutifan (Welireg) and lenvatinib (Lenvima) for advanced kidney cancer: A recent study found this combination helped people with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) live longer without their cancer getting worse. The FDA is reviewing it now, and if approved, it may become a new option for some patients whose cancer got worse after immunotherapy.

Lupus nephritis

• The FDA has approved Gazyva® to treat adults with active lupus nephritis who are already receiving standard treatment. Studies have found that people taking Gazyva were more likely to have better kidney function than those receiving standard treatment alone. This medicine targets immune cells that cause inflammation, helping slow the disease and protect long-term kidney health.
• The VOCAL trial is studying voclosporin in teens with lupus nephritis. Already approved for adults, this medicine helps protect the kidneys from damage by calming the immune system. The SIRIUS-LN trial is testing an add-on to standard lupus nephritis treatment that may reduce kidney inflammation and improve outcomes.

APOL1-mediated kidney disease 

Anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are being explored by silencing the mutated APOL1 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of kidney disease in certain populations, particularly those of African ancestry.

IgA nephropathy

• The I CAN Study  is testing whether ravulizumab can help lower protein in the urine and slow kidney damage in adults with IgA nephropathy. This Phase 3 trial is exploring a possible new treatment option for people at risk of disease progression.The BEYOND study is evaluating whether zigakibart, an experimental medicine designed to block proteins that cause kidney damage, can reduce protein in the urine and slow kidney disease progression in adults with IgAN.
  • The VISIONARY trial, the largest IgAN study so far, found that Voyxact (sibeprenlimab) cut urine protein by over 50% in 9 months. This once-a-month injection was recently approved by the FDA.
  • Another study has found that povetacicept lowered protein in the urine by nearly 50% compared with placebo in adults with IgA nephropathy and also improved other signs of disease activity. The following medicines also lower protein in the urine (proteinuria) and have been approved for use on patients with IgAN:
    • Atrasentan (Vanrafia) is a new medicine that protects the kidneys in people with IgA nephropathy. It works by blocking a substance that causes kidney scarring.
    • Fabhalta (iptacopan): approved for adults as a capsule taken by mouth
    • Tarpeyo (budesonide): delayed release capsule
    • Filspari (sparsentan): approved for adults as a tablet

C3G glomerulopathy (C3G)

• In 2025, the FDA approved Fabhalta (iptacopan) as the first treatment for C3G. Studies showed that this medicine lowered protein in the urine by 35.1%. Talk with your doctor and healthcare team to learn more about whether this treatment is right for you.
• The FDA has approved Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) for patients 12 and older with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Clinical trials showed that EMPAVELI can lower protein in the urine and stabilize kidney function. This is an important step forward for a disease with very limited treatment options.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS):

• A recent trial is testing whether the medicine DMX‑200 can reduce proteinuria and slow kidney function decline in people with FSGS. Early results suggest that blocking a key protein in kidney inflammation may help protect kidney function.
• In clinical trials, sparsentan significantly reduced proteinuria (protein in urine). Now under FDA review, sparsentan could become the first approved treatment specifically for FSGS.

Many treatments in this section are still in clinical trials or under FDA review. If you or a loved one is affected by a rare condition, check with your care team or a specialist about current options.

Be your own advocate

Each health journey is unique. Taking charge of your kidney health means staying informed. Ask your doctor about new treatments, research clinical trials, and explore digital tools that can help manage your condition. While innovation is happening, it may take time before treatments become widely available. Being an informed patient can help you advocate for yourself. Learn more.

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El American Kidney Fund se asoció con Antidote Match para facilitar a las personas la búsqueda de los ensayos clínicos de posible interés para ellas o sus familiares. ¡Use la casilla de búsqueda que figura a continuación para comenzar!

Be your own advocate

Each health journey is unique. Taking charge of your kidney health means staying informed. Ask your doctor about new treatments, research clinical trials, and explore digital tools that can help manage your condition. While innovation is happening, it may take time before treatments become widely available. Being an informed patient can help you advocate for yourself. Learn more