Improving dialysis by redesigning dialyzers to better remove harmful toxins
Official title: Beyond Urea Kinetics: Balancing Tradeoffs in Dialyzer Design for the Next 50 Years
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10856289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make dialysis better for people with kidney failure by creating a new type of dialyzer that can more effectively remove harmful toxins from the blood, which could help improve your health and reduce issues like inflammation and clotting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $518,661 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139048-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10856289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing dialysis treatment for kidney failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on dialysis or those with acute kidney injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of dialysis for patients with kidney failure by redesigning dialyzers to improve the removal of harmful protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs). Current dialyzers primarily focus on removing urea, which does not adequately address the complex waste products that contribute to health issues in dialysis patients. The study will explore a novel dialyzer design that increases blood residence time, potentially leading to better health outcomes by reducing inflammation and clotting risks. Patients will be monitored for changes in health markers associated with dialysis treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health and quality of life for dialysis patients by reducing harmful toxins and associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of redesigning dialyzers is innovative, previous research has shown that improving dialyzer design can lead to better patient outcomes, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fissell, William H — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fissell, William H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.