NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using hydroxycitrate to prevent calcium phosphate kidney stones

Official title: Hydroxycitrate: A Novel Therapy for Calcium Phosphate Urinary Stones

Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11163455 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether hydroxycitrate can help people who have had calcium phosphate kidney stones by preventing them from coming back, making it easier for patients to manage their condition without needing more surgeries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project startAugust 5, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$471,750
NIH project number5R01DK136684-03
Project IDNIH-11163455 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have a history of calcium phosphate kidney stones and experience recurrent stone formation.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a history of calcium phosphate kidney stones or those with other types of kidney stones may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of hydroxycitrate as a treatment to prevent the recurrence of calcium phosphate (CaP) kidney stones. Patients with CaP stones often face high rates of stone recurrence and may require multiple surgeries, indicating that current treatments are not effective enough. The study will explore how hydroxycitrate can inhibit the growth of CaP crystals in the body, aiming to improve urine chemistry without raising urine pH, which can worsen stone formation. By analyzing the effects of hydroxycitrate on urine composition, the research seeks to establish a new preventive therapy for those affected by CaP stones.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from calcium phosphate kidney stones, reducing recurrence rates and the need for surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results for hydroxycitrate in preventing calcium phosphate crystallization, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Ut Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Maalouf, Naim M — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Maalouf, Naim M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.