New treatments for kidney diseases targeting the kidneys directly

Diversification of Glomerular Kidney Disease Treatments By Targeting Therapeutics to the Kidney

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10808617

This study is looking at a new way to deliver a kidney treatment for people with kidney diseases caused by lupus, using a special version of the drug imatinib that targets the kidneys better, and they will be testing how safe and effective it is in mice.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10808617 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative treatments for glomerular kidney diseases, particularly those caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLEN). It aims to create a specialized formulation of the drug imatinib that enhances its delivery specifically to the kidneys, potentially improving treatment outcomes. By using a nanoemulsion technique, the researchers have already demonstrated increased kidney deposition of the drug in animal models. The next steps involve testing the safety and effectiveness of this formulation in chronic dosing scenarios in mouse models of SLEN.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from glomerular kidney diseases, particularly those with systemic lupus erythematosus-induced kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients with kidney diseases not related to glomerular conditions or those who do not respond to immunosuppressive therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with glomerular kidney diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing drug delivery to the kidneys using novel formulations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

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 DiseaseDisorder
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.