Using empagliflozin to assess safety in dialysis patients with kidney failure

Empagliflozin in ESKD - A Feasibility Study

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional University of Mississippi Medical Center · NCT05687058

This study is testing whether the medication empagliflozin is safe for people with kidney failure who are on dialysis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Jackson, Mississippi and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05687058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety of empagliflozin in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who are on dialysis. Participants will receive empagliflozin for three months in addition to their standard medical care, with follow-up continuing for one month after treatment. The study seeks to gather data on the drug's effects on general health, as well as its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in this specific patient population. The goal is to prepare for a larger clinical trial assessing the potential benefits of empagliflozin in dialysis patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities such as advanced heart failure or active cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatment options that improve heart health and overall outcomes for dialysis patients.

How similar studies have performed: While SGLT2 inhibitors have shown promise in other populations, this specific application in dialysis patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ≥18 years;
2. diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis, and
3. ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. systolic blood pressure \<100 mm Hg (pre-dialysis for HD patients)
2. two or more episodes of urinary tract infection within the last 12 months
3. history of urinary retention or urinary tract obstruction
4. liver cirrhosis
5. advanced heart failure requiring heart assist device or inotropic support
6. heart or liver transplant recipient
7. major surgery performed within the last 3 months ("major" per the investigator's assessment)
8. major surgery scheduled within 3 months after screening ("major" per the investigator's assessment)
9. active cancer
10. pregnant or lactating women
11. known allergy or hypersensitivity to any SGLT2 inhibitors
12. history of ketoacidosis during the last 12 months
13. any other medical condition considered unappropriated by their nephrologists or a study physician (i.e., cachexia, short life expectancy, or uncontrolled personality/phycological disorder).

Where this trial is running

Jackson, Mississippi and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kidney Failure, ChronicHeart Failureempagliflozinend-stage kidney diseasepharmacokineticspharmacodynamicsfeasibility trialheart failure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.