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 kidney medicines

New uses for existing medicines:

• New research shows that empagliflozin, an SGLT2i can help slow kidney disease progression in people with CKD. In a recent trial, patients, especially those over age 60, saw additional kidney protection and fewer hospitalizations.
• New research suggests that the medicine dapagliflozin, an SGLT2i, may significantly slow CKD progression. It could delay kidney failure by about 6 to 7 years compared to standard treatment, helping people with CKD live longer and healthier lives and potentially delaying or preventing the need for dialysis or kidney transplant. Dapagliflozin is also being studied in children with Alport syndrome.
• A new trial is testing whether a single dose of the medicine ravulizumab can help prevent acute kidney injury (AKI) in people with CKD who are having heart surgery. The study focuses on reducing kidney damage caused by inflammation during surgery, which is common and can lead to serious complications.

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.

Developments in kidney transplants 

There are more than 103,000 people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and there aren't enough kidneys for everyone who needs them. However, scientists are exploring new ways to make transplants more accessible. Only about 1 in 3 people waiting received a transplant last year.

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.

Genetically modified pig kidney transplants in humans (Xenotransplantation)

Another innovation researchers are testing to make kidney transplants more accessible is through xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation uses cells, tissues, or organs from animals to treat medical conditions in humans. In 2025, the FDA approved the first clinical trials to genetically modify pig kidneys for people with kidney failure to reduce the risk of rejection and help them function in the human body. In November 2024, a woman became the third person to receive a gene-edited pig kidney and is still doing well.

Additional resources:

• FDA clearance announcement
• Kidney transplant guide
• Transplant waiting list
• AKF blog: FDA greenlights first clinical trials for genetically modified pig kidney transplants

Teaching the immune system to accept transplants

A new 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. 

3D kidneys

Mayo Clinic researchers use 3D bioprinters to create living models of skin, cartilage, and organ tissue using medical imaging and patient-specific cells. These tissue models help scientists study disease, test treatments, and develop future transplant solutions. While still in development, this technology offers real hope for patients facing organ failure or donor shortages.

Some transplant innovations mentioned here are experimental or in early testing. Speak with your transplant team to understand what options may be available to you now.
 

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 new genetic testing method, VNtyper, is 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 new 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 new 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.

• 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:
  • Atrasentan is a new medicine being studied to help protect the kidneys in people with IgA nephropathy. It works by blocking a substance that causes kidney scarring.
  • 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 sibeprenlimab cut urine protein by over 50% in 9 months. This once-a-month injection may offer a new way to treat IgA nephropathy. FDA decision is expected in late 2025.
• 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.

Encuentre un ensayo clínico

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.