Kidney Drug Finerenone Shows Early Promise in Restoring Egg Development in Early Menopause

Overview

• Juntendo University and University of Hong Kong researchers reported in Science that repurposing finerenone may reactivate ovarian follicles in premature ovarian insufficiency.
• In a 14-patient study, twice-weekly treatment for 3 to 7 months led to detectable follicle development in every participant.
• Thirteen participants proceeded to ovarian stimulation, and eight achieved mature eggs or embryos suitable for cryopreservation.
• The candidate emerged from a screen of 1,297 approved drugs and promoted follicle growth and increased litter size in mice without observed chromosomal or developmental abnormalities in offspring.
• The team describes the findings as preliminary and aims to start international clinical trials within the year while seeking more effective compounds.