Bardoxolone is anti-inflammatory and tissue protective. Inflammation and fibrosis of all compartments of the kidney are common histopathologic features of many diseases causing CKD, regardless of the primary underlying mechanism. Bardoxolone acts by releasing Nrf2 from KEAP1, allowing it to suppress NF-κB and activate transcription of many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes. In recent years, many laboratories have investigated its kidney and metabolic effects. In preclinical models, increases in GFR have been attributed to increases in glomerular surface area by suppression of glomerular inflammation. In many, but not all, rodent models of CKD, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperfiltration, bardoxolone administration mitigates renal injury and inflammation.