Using metformin to treat kidney injury caused by sepsis
Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Safety and FeasibiLity of Metformin as a Treatment for sepsis induced AKI (LiMiT AKI)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11162319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether metformin, a medicine usually used for type 2 diabetes, can help people with kidney problems caused by sepsis, and it aims to see if it's safe and effective for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $318,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133142-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are hospitalized with sepsis and experiencing acute kidney injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sepsis or acute kidney injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, as a potential treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that occurs due to sepsis. The study aims to determine the safety and feasibility of metformin in patients suffering from sepsis-induced AKI. By activating a protein that helps protect kidney function, the researchers hope to improve recovery outcomes for these patients. Participants will be monitored closely to assess the effects of metformin on kidney health and overall survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that improves kidney recovery and survival rates for patients with sepsis-induced AKI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that activating the AMPK pathway can protect against kidney injury, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez Danies, Hernando — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gomez Danies, Hernando
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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.