Targeting kidney disease in sickle cell with SGLT2 inhibitors
Official title: Targeting the Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell-Related Kidney Disease Using SGLT2 Inhibitors
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11417914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if SGLT2 inhibitors can protect the kidneys of adults with sickle cell disease and related CKD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $741,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL180499-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417914 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sickle cell disease who have or are at risk for CKD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CKD or those who cannot tolerate SGLT2 inhibitors may not benefit.
What this research studies
People with sickle cell disease often develop chronic kidney disease, and this project tests whether a class of diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors can help protect kidney function in this group. The research will use noninvasive kidney MRI to understand how the treatment affects kidney blood flow, oxygen levels, and scarring. It builds on promising lab data and aims to translate findings into a potential new therapy for patients. If successful, it could lead to better kidney health and fewer complications for adults living with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to a kidney-protective option for adults with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows SGLT2 inhibitors protect kidneys in general CKD, but their effect in sickle cell–related CKD is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saraf, Santosh — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Saraf, Santosh
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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.