Post hoc analysis of the BEACON trial data of bardoxolone methyl in patients with diabetic nephropathy revealed the serious rates of heart failure that led to trial termination were likely caused by sodium and volume retention via modulation of the endothelin pathway. The analysis was presented at the ERA–EDTA Congress, and suggested elevated baseline B-type natriuretic peptide levels and previous heart failure might be exclusion criteria for bardoloxone methyl treatment and could inform future trials of the drug.