The present invention discloses 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones having the ability to reduce proteinuria and for treating kidney diseases. The ability to reduce proteinuria has a renoprotective effect for slowing the progression of kidney diseases. A representative example of 5-methyl-(1-substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones is 1-(3'-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone, AKF-PD. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-2(1H)-pyridones and methods of using the same to treat proteinuria and kidney diseases.