Clinical Research Directory

Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (F.I.N.D.)

The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) is a multicenter study designed to identify genetic determinants of diabetic kidney disease. FIND will be conducted in eleven centers and in many ethnic groups throughout the United States. Two different strategies will be used to localize genes predisposing to kidney disease: a family-based genetic linkage study and a case-control study that utilizes admixture linkage disequilibrium. The center based at the Phoenix office of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK-Phoenix) will conduct family-based linkage studies among American Indian populations in the southwestern United States. Participants (index cases) with diabetes and kidney disease will initially be recruited, and their parents and siblings will also be invited to participate. Genetic material from these participants will be used to genotype markers throughout the genome. Linkage analysis will be conducted to identify particular chromosomal regions containing genes that influence susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease. Linkage analyses will also be used to identify genes influencing traits related to diabetic kidney disease, such as serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion, plasma glucose levels, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. Regions that show evidence for linkage will then be examined in more detail, with both genetic linkage and association studies, to attempt to identify the specific genes that influence diabetic kidney disease, or related traits. The identification of genes that influence susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease will lead to a better understanding of how kidney disease develops. In the long run, this may lead to improved treatment and prevention of diabetic kidney disease.

Mechanisms of Diabetic Kidney Disease in American Indians

Background: \- An ongoing study is looking at American Indians who have kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes. Kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes is a major problem in American Indians. We previously found that early treatment of kidney disease with losartan was probably beneficial for reducing progression of the disease. Researchers now want to see if these benefits continue to be seen several years after the end of the treatment study. Objectives: \- To study long-term benefit of losartan treatment for diabetic kidney disease in American Indians with type 2 diabetes. Eligibility: \- Participants in the American Indian diabetic kidney disease study (OH95-DK-N037). Design: * Participants will have a physical exam and medical history before starting the study. Blood and urine samples will be collected. * Participants will have a set of tests as part of this study. Those who have severe kidney problems, such as kidney failure, will only have a basic kidney exam with scans. The remaining participants will have a full urine collection and analysis. They will also provide a kidney biopsy. * Treatment will not be provided as part of this study.

Clinical Predictors and Therapeutic Gaps in CKM Syndrome Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a principal driver of cardiovascular-renal-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, where metabolic, renal, and cardiac dysfunction accelerate disease progression. This cross-sectional study aims to classify adult patients with T2D attending outpatient clinics at Assiut University Hospitals across CKM stages (0-4) according to the 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) staging system. Additionally, the study identifies independent clinical and laboratory predictors of advanced CKM stages (Stages 3-4) and quantifies the therapeutic gap regarding guideline-indicated organ-protective medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, RAAS inhibitors, statins, and MRAs).

Prevalence of Renal Insufficiency in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

the prevalence of renal insufficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) visiting a large diabetes care center in Southern India. The prevalence estimates reported previously have shown variability to a large extent due to differences in selection criteria, cut-off values for diagnosis of renal insufficiency and the type of population selected.

The Evaluation of the Drug R3R01 for the Excretion of Protein in the Urine in Patients With Diabetic Kidney Disease.

The goal of this clinical trial is to to investigate whether the drug R3R01 has a beneficial effect on the amount of protein excreted in the urine in adult patients (above 18 years of age) with type 2 diabetes and resulting kidney disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does 3 months of treatment with 200mg of the drug R3R01 morning and evening have a beneficial effect on the amount of protein excreted in the urine in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease? 2. Does R3R01 have an effect on kidney function and daily blood pressure? Researchers will compare the results of 40 people who take R3R01 to 20 people who receive an inactive substance (placebo). Participants will receive R3R01 or the placebo as an oral tablet and undergo a selection of medical examinations - such as: * blood samples * urine tests * kidney tests involving a radiolabelled marker which is injected into the bloodstream and monitored via blood samples * 24 hour blood pressure monitoring via a wearable device * urine pregnancy test (if applicable)

Long-Term Follow-up Study of Participants Exposed to Renal Autologous Cell Therapy Frozen Product

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy, and durability in participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received up to four REACT injections, delivered percutaneously into either the same or bilateral kidneys in previous studies.

A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Participants Exposed to REACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety of up to two gelatin-hydrogel formulation REACT injections given 3 to 6 months apart and delivered percutaneously into same kidney on renal function in participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Renal Hemodynamics, Energetics and Insulin Resistance: A Follow-up Study

The current protocol plans to enroll participants with youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) as well as obese and lean controls from the Renal-HEIR - Renal Hemodynamics, Energetics and Insulin Resistance in Youth Onset Type 2 Diabetes Study (n=100) \[COMIRB #16-1752\] in a prospective investigation that seeks to 1) define the changes in kidney function by gold standard techniques and energetics by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in adolescents with and without T2D as they transition to young adulthood; 2) quantify kidney oxidative metabolism by 11C-acetate Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in a subset of participants who are ≥18 years of age with youth-onset T2D and/or obesity; 3) determine peripheral arterial stiffness by SphygmoCor. Mechanistic insight will be provided by transcriptomic analyses of repeat biopsies 3-years after their initial biopsy for eligible participants with youth-onset T2D, as well as molecular analysis of tissue obtained from J-wire endovascular biopsies. This study will also leverage this well-characterized cohort of youths to define youth-onset T2D-related changes in brain morphology and function by structural MRI and resting-state functional MRI and through the assessment of cognitive function (fluid and crystallized intelligence) using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB), as an exploratory objective. All enrollees in Renal-HEIR have consented to be contacted for future research opportunities.

Role of Finerenone in African American Veterans With Diabetic Kidney Disease

Primary Objectives: To study podocyte specific injury markers (podocyte specific proteins, PSP) nephrin, podocalyxin and Wilms'Tumor (WT-1) protein in exosomes urine from African American Veterans with albuminuric stage 2 and 3 chronic diabetic kidney disease (DKD), using Empagliflozin or Finerenone or combination therapy. Secondary Objectives: (1). Correlate changes in exosome-based PSP with standardized biomarkers of kidney injury including urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated GFR. (2) with systemic inflammatory markers (focusing on vascular and endothelial function) that are already established such as interleukins (IL1, IL6, IL-12), hs-CRP and (3) arterial stiffness measures and with (4) APOL1 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells (MNC).

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Platelet Parameters in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a frequent microvascular complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a major cause of chronic kidney failure worldwide. Chronic low-grade inflammation and platelet activation contribute significantly to renal microvascular damage. The purpose of this observational study is to evaluate whether routine blood test markers, specifically the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet indices (such as mean platelet volume \[MPV\] and platelet distribution width \[PDW\]), can serve as simple, accessible, and cost-effective biomarkers for identifying the presence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. Participants will include adult patients with type 2 diabetes categorized according to their urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria) as well as healthy control subjects. Complete blood counts, derived inflammatory indices, and renal parameters will be measured to assess their diagnostic accuracy for DKD.

Decision Impact Trial of KidneyIntelX

The current trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Prospective Decision Impact Trial of KidneyIntelX

The current trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test / platform impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Prospective Decision Impact Clinical Utility Trial of KidneyIntelX

The clinical utility trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test / platform impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Real World Evidence Clinical Utility Study of KidneyIntelX

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the KidneyIntelX assay utilized as part of the current standard of care on the management of patients seen in the primary care physician's office at Mount Sinai.

Uric Acid Lowering Trial in Youth Onset T2D

Adolescents and young adults with youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) are disproportionally impacted by hyperuricemia compared to non-diabetic peers and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In fact, 50% of males with youth-onset T2D have serum uric acid (SUA) greater than 6.8 mg/dl. The investigators also recently demonstrated that higher SUA conferred greater odds of developing hypertension and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in youth with T2D over 7 years follow-up. Elevated SUA is thought to lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and DKD by inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and deleterious effects on nephron mass. While there are studies demonstrating beneficial effects of uric acid (UA) lowering on vascular health in the general population, there are no studies in youth-onset T2D. Youth-onset T2D carries a greater risk of DKD and CVD compared to adult-onset T2D and T1D. Accordingly, a clinical trial evaluating UA lowering therapies is needed in youth-onset T2D. Krystexxa (pegloticase), a uricase, effectively lowers SUA and therefore holds promise as a novel therapy to impede the development of CVD and DKD in youth-onset T2D. This proposal describes a pilot and feasibility trial evaluating the effect of UA lowering by pegloticase on markers of CVD and DKD in ten (n=10) youth aged 18-25 with youth-onset T2D (diagnosed \<21 years of age) over 7 days. The overarching hypothesis is that pegloticase improves marker of cardiorenal health by lowering UA.

Finerenone for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease: Efficacy Observation and Related Factor Analysis

This is a single-center prospective observational clinical study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. A total of 425 patients aged 18-75 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus-related chronic kidney disease will be enrolled from February 2026 to January 2029. All participants will receive standard finerenone treatment in accordance with clinical guidelines with a 4-month follow-up period. Blood and urine samples will be collected at screening, baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 4 months after treatment initiation for routine biochemistry, aldosterone/renin testing, captopril suppression test and multi-omics analysis. Participants will be categorized into benefit group, partial benefit group and non-benefit group based on the reduction rate of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) at Month 4. We will combine demographic data, laboratory indicators and multi-omics profiles to identify key biomarkers predicting finerenone response, and construct a predictive model to realize precise individualized therapy for diabetic kidney disease. All study-related laboratory tests are free of charge for subjects. A priority consultation channel is available during follow-up, and free professional consultation on diabetic nephropathy will be provided. Serum potassium and renal function will be closely monitored to manage safety risks such as hyperkalemia. All personal data and biological samples are anonymized and stored in encrypted systems with strict confidentiality protection. Subjects may withdraw from the study voluntarily at any time without interference to their routine clinical care.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Smart Screening and Tiered Management Tool for Diabetic Kidney Disease in Primary Care: A Cluster Randomized Trial

This is a cluster-randomized controlled trial aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of an intelligent standardized screening and risk-stratified management tool for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) among adults with type 2 diabetes in primary care settings. Background China has a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, and 30%-40% of diabetic patients develop DKD, the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Primary care facilities lack convenient, standardized digital tools to screen, grade and manage DKD systematically, leading to delayed detection and suboptimal kidney protection for diabetic patients. This study develops a localized intelligent DKD management system integrated into primary care electronic medical records (HIS) to solve this gap. Study Design \& Participants We will recruit 30 primary healthcare institutions (15 urban community health centers, 15 rural township health centers) across Longyou County, with at least 200 registered type 2 diabetes patients at each site. A total of 3,000 eligible adults aged 18-75 years diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will be enrolled, randomly assigned in a 1:1 cluster ratio to two groups: Intervention group (15 sites, 1,500 patients): Receive the intelligent DKD screening and graded management plug-in embedded in local HIS. The tool automatically calculates estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), generates DKD risk stratification, sends reminders for regular urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) testing, and provides individualized treatment, follow-up and referral guidance. Control group (15 sites, 1,500 patients): Receive routine standard diabetes management following national primary care diabetes guidelines, without access to the intelligent DKD digital support system. Study Procedures All participants complete a baseline screening visit (V1) to sign informed consent, review medical history, complete physical examinations, and undergo lab tests including UACR, serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile and urinalysis. Follow-up visits are scheduled at 3 months (V2), 6 months (V3), and 12 months (V4) after baseline, repeating physical checks and core laboratory testing. An optional extended observational follow-up continues until 24 months, with biospecimens collected and shipped to the central research laboratory for unified testing. Participants may withdraw voluntarily at any time without impact on routine clinical care, and unscheduled visits will be arranged if adverse events or abnormal lab results occur. Key Study Outcomes Primary Outcome: Change in log-transformed urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up, comparing the two management models. Secondary Outcomes: 12-month DKD screening rate, DKD diagnosis rate, standardized DKD treatment rate, and change in eGFR over 12 months. The study also assesses the operability of the intelligent management tool and patient treatment adherence in primary care. Risks \& Benefits Potential Risks: Participants will undergo routine fasting blood draws and urine collection at each visit, which may cause minor temporary pain, bruising, or rare vasovagal reactions during venipuncture. Benefits: All participants receive free regular DKD-related laboratory testing covered by the research team. Intervention group patients receive personalized, automated kidney risk management recommendations to slow DKD progression. Any study-related injury will receive free medical treatment and corresponding compensation from the research project. Data Protection \& Ethics All participant personal information and biological samples are fully anonymized with unique study codes and stored in encrypted databases with restricted access. The study strictly complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, Chinese GCP, and domestic clinical research regulations. All participants provide written informed consent before enrollment, with full rights to withdraw at any stage without penalty. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences to improve nationwide primary care DKD prevention and control. Statistical Analysis All analyses will use intention-to-treat, modified intention-to-treat, per-protocol, and safety analysis datasets. Mixed models for repeated measures, t-tests, rank-sum tests, and Fisher's exact tests will be applied to compare between-group differences, with multiple imputation used to handle missing primary endpoint data. All adverse events will be coded using MedDRA and summarized to evaluate the safety profile of the intervention strategy.

Dosimetry of Tc-99m-Tilmanocept

This proposal will use kidney SPECT/CT of Tc-99m-tilmanocept to evaluate the mesangial changes seen in diabetics across the spectrum of kidney disease as well as persons with hypertensive kidney disease, the next most common cause of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. We aim to demonstrate that these different disease types and stages can be differentiated with Tc-99m-tilmanocept SPECT/CT and can thus be used for future trials evaluating early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Evaluation of MTX-439 in Healthy Adults and Adults With Diabetic Kidney Disease

This is a phase 1 randomized, double-blind, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) study to assess the safety, tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics (PK) of single and multiple ascending doses of MTX-439 administered in healthy adults and adults with diabetic kidney disease (DKD)

Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Model for Differentiating Diabetic Kidney Disease and Non-Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

This multicenter retrospective observational study aims to develop and validate an interpretable machine learning model for differentiating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical, laboratory, and pathological data from biopsy-confirmed patients were collected from 14 medical centers in China. Multiple machine learning algorithms were evaluated and externally validated. The final model was implemented as a web-based clinical decision support tool.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Renal Function in Diabetic Kidney Disease

This study is a randomized controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the effects and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (DKD-1) as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care combined with DKD-1 for 12 weeks. Kidney function, glycemic control, proteinuria, quality of life, and traditional Chinese medicine tongue features will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether DKD-1 can improve renal function, glycemic control, and quality of life in this patient population.

Effect of Urinary Alkalinization on Urine Uric Acid Precipitation and Crystallization in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

The purpose of this study is to determine whether alkalinization of urine uric acid by 2 doses of sodium bicarbonate (1950mg) over 24-hours reduces precipitation and crystallization of urine uric acid over in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibition in the Kidney

The goal of this open-label, non-randomized clinical trial is to determine what effects, if any, an FDA-approved drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors (Canagliflozin or INVOKANA) has any protective effects on kidney function in Type 2 diabetes. We are looking for participants 18-80 years of age, who have had a clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes for ≥ 3 years. Participants will be asked to sign a consent and complete a screening visit prior to study entry including the following procedures for this study: Consent and Screening: * Laboratory tests to determine baseline health * Ultrasound to measure kidney size and ensure presence of 2 functioning kidneys Month 0: * Study entry kidney MRI (day 0) * Study entry kidney biopsy (within 30 days of MRI) * Study entry visit for dispensing 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication 3 month supply Month 3: * Study visit to dispense remaining 3 months of 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication * Review of systems Month 6: * Follow-up kidney MRI * Follow-up kidney biopsy Study participants will also be requested to provide blood and urine samples for biobanking purposes. They will also be provided the opportunity to provide a stool sample at two time points, as well as the option to participate in a related study collecting samples to create induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Participants will be compensated for their time and loss of work time, additionally, a nominal additional compensation for optional stool and iPSC samples.

Renal Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibition

Canagliflozin is an oral drug which is currently approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Canagliflozin acts by increasing salt and sugar loss in the urine, and has shown to protect heart, kidney, and blood vessel function in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown how canagliflozin protects the kidneys from disease. Therefore, this study plans to learn more about how canagliflozin works to protect against diabetic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. This study will use state-of-the-art kidney imaging, kidney biopsies and detailed testing of kidney function to determine the mechanisms of protection afforded by canagliflozin.