Investigating empagliflozin for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Feasibility study of empagliflozin in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10896266

This study is looking at whether empagliflozin, a medication that helps with kidney health, can be a safe and effective treatment for people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), offering a new option besides the current treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10896266 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the use of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, as a potential treatment for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of this medication, which has shown promise in other kidney diseases but has not been tested in ADPKD patients. By focusing on both kidney function and cardiovascular health, the research seeks to provide a well-tolerated alternative to the currently approved treatment, tolvaptan. Patients will be monitored for their response to the medication and any side effects experienced during the trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of kidney disease or those who do not have ADPKD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective treatment option for slowing the progression of ADPKD and improving cardiovascular health.

How similar studies have performed: While SGLT2 inhibitors have shown success in other kidney conditions, this specific application in ADPKD is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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 Polycystic Kidney Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.