Effect of bardoxolone methyl on kidney function in patients with T2D and Stage 3b-4 CKD

Bardoxolone methyl, a novel synthetic triterpenoid, induces Nrf2, a transcription factor known to play a key role in decreasing oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

This exploratory multi-center, open-label study assessed the clinical activity and safety of bardoxolone methyl in 20 patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Patients received 25 mg of bardoxolone methyl daily for 28 days, followed by 75 mg daily for another 28 days.

The study achieved its primary efficacy endpoint, as demonstrated by a significant increase from baseline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 7.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001). Improvements were seen in approximately 90% of patients and showed a dose- and time-dependent increase in eGFR. The eGFR change paralleled a significant reduction in serum creatinine (-0.3 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (-4.9 mg/dl), along with an increase in creatinine clearance (+14.6 ml/min/1.73 m2), without a change in the 24-hour creatinine excretion rate. Markers of vascular injury and inflammation were improved by treatment with bardoxolone. No life-threatening adverse events or drug-related serious adverse events were reported.

The results describe an apparent increase in kidney function following relatively short-term treatment with bardoxolone methyl, a promising new agent that warrants placebo-controlled studies to define its long-term effects on renal function.