Press Release: The CHR Announces a Clinical Trial

In View of the Recent Media Interest in the New Drug Finerenone the CHR Announces An Upcoming Clinical Trial of This Medication in Infertile Women with Premature Ovarian Aging (POA) and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Finerenone (sold as Kerendia) is an FDA-approved non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and anti-fibrotic agent that protects kidneys and heart in adults with chronic kidney disease or specific types of heart failure. The drug recently received considerable media attention since a study suggested also significant anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. 

Chinese investigators – after screening a drug library of FDA-approved drugs – earlier this year had already identified finerenone as a promising medication for restoring fertility in women with POI by demonstrating that the drug stimulated follicle development in aged mice and – after oral administration - restored antral follicle development in patients with (POI), resulting in mature oocytes and embryos. These results were attributed to antifibrotic effects of the drug on older, fibrotic ovaries [reported in Science 2026;391(6785):eadz4075].

The CHR is a leading NYC-based infertility clinical center that serves a worldwide clientele and the by-far oldest patient population among all U.S. IVF clinics. In collaboration with investigators from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, the CHR has initiated a prospective study of finerenone in POI patients, for which IRB approval is expected any day. Preliminary patient recruitment has, however, already started and the recently reported study only further strengthens the hypothesis that finerenone - in a paradigm shift - may be able to “rejuvenate” older ovaries.  

The exploratory pilot study will enroll approximately 30 women with confirmed POA/POI who will undergo a 6–8-week observation period followed by oral finerenone treatment. The study is designed to evaluate feasibility, preliminary biological activity, and safety, - but is not necessarily meant to establish definitive treatment efficacy, - though that may also be the case. The study is financially supported by the not-for-profit Foundation for Reproductive Medicine. 

At the CHR the principal investigators in this study are Sonia Gayete-Lafuente, MD, PhD, David H. Barad, MD, MSc, and Norbert Gleicher, MD, who are available for further comments: Contact person is Jaclyn Anglis at (212) 994 4400/Ext 4433. Interested in participants in the study should call (212) 994 4400 and advise the staff person of their interest in participating in the finerenone study.