Investigating a medication to protect kidney function in heart transplant patients

Randomized Trial of Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 Inhibition(SGLT2i) in Heart Transplant Recipients

NIH-funded research VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System · NIH-11048998

This study is looking at whether a medication called empagliflozin can help improve kidney health and overall well-being in heart transplant patients who are at risk for kidney and heart problems, and we're inviting Veterans to join us in this important research.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Salt Lake City Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048998 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on heart transplant recipients who are at high risk for kidney and cardiovascular diseases due to preexisting conditions and the immunosuppressive therapies they require. The study will evaluate the effects of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), compared to a placebo over one year. By enrolling Veterans from six national referral centers, the research aims to determine if this medication can reduce kidney dysfunction and improve overall health outcomes in these patients. Participants will be monitored for changes in kidney function, specifically looking at albumin levels and glomerular filtration rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have undergone heart transplantation and are experiencing kidney dysfunction or are at risk for kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone heart transplantation or those without kidney dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved kidney health and reduced cardiovascular risks for heart transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can provide significant kidney and cardiovascular benefits in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, 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.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.