ANGPTL4 protein therapy for chronic kidney disease

Recombinant hANGPTL4 and CKD

['FUNDING_R01'] · RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11235866

This project looks at a modified ANGPTL4 protein as a possible way to lower protein in the urine and protect kidneys in people with diabetic kidney disease or FSGS.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11235866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are testing a modified human ANGPTL4 protein (called 8520) in laboratory and rat models to see if it can reduce protein loss in the urine and slow kidney damage. They will give 8520 to diabetic and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) rat models alone and together with ACE inhibitors, then measure kidney function (GFR/inulin clearance), proteinuria, and kidney tissue changes. The team is also studying how 8520 interacts with integrins in tiny kidney blood vessels to understand how it prevents cell death and fibrosis. If the animal and mechanistic results are strong, the work is meant to support moving this approach toward human testing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with diabetic kidney disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis who have ongoing proteinuria despite standard treatments would be the most relevant candidates for future trials.

Not a fit: People with non-glomerular causes of kidney failure (for example polycystic kidney disease) or those already on dialysis are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce proteinuria and slow progression toward end-stage kidney disease, preserving kidney function for people with diabetic nephropathy or FSGS.

How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies with ANGPTL4 variants have shown reduced proteinuria and preserved GFR in animal models, but testing in people remains novel.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.