Actively Recruiting

Phase 2
Age: 18Years - 60Years
All Genders
ID07175051

Targeting the Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell-Related Kidney Disease Using the SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin

Led by University of Illinois at Chicago · Updated on 2026-05-19

20

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic red blood cell disorder that often affects the kidneys. This research aims to see if empagliflozin, a drug approved by the FDA to slow kidney function decline, can prevent worsening kidney problems in people with SCA at high risk for advanced chronic kidney disease. The study is a Phase 2 clinical trial sponsored by the University of Illinois at Chicago. Participants will receive empagliflozin orally at a dose of 10 mg. The treatment period lasts 48 weeks during which urine and blood biomarkers, as well as kidney imaging, will be used to evaluate the drug's effects. Key urine markers include adenosine, nephrin, and kidney injury molecule-1, while kidney cortical oxygenation will be assessed by fMRI. Additional measures include urine protein levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and various serum biomarkers. During the study, participants will have regular clinic visits for monitoring compliance and safety. They will undergo urine and blood tests, kidney imaging scans, and assessments of kidney function and injury markers throughout the 48-week treatment period. The study tracks changes from enrollment to the end of treatment to determine how empagliflozin affects kidney health in SCA patients.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Targeting the Pathophysiology of Sickle Cell-Related Kidney Disease Using the SGLT2 Inhibitors, Empagliflozin

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 60Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Documentation of sickle cell anemia genotype (HbSS or HbSβ0-thalassemia)
  • Albuminuria defined by a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of 100 to 2,000 mg/g at screening
  • Hemoglobin level of at least 5.5 g/dL during screening
  • Stable dose of Endari for at least one month prior to consent if taking this medication
  • Crizanlizumab or chronic red blood cell transfusions started at least 3 months before consent if receiving these therapies
  • Stable dose of ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker for at least 3 months prior to consent if taking these medications
  • Regular compliance with clinic visits and outpatient care
  • Use of highly effective contraception from study start to 30 days after last dose for females of childbearing potential
  • Documented informed consent or assent provided
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
  • Female who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use birth control as required
  • Prior hypersensitivity or intolerance to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)
  • Active or open leg or ankle ulcers
  • Chronic urinary tract infection
  • Hospitalization for sickle cell crisis or vaso-occlusive event within 14 days before consent
  • Liver dysfunction with ALT levels over 5 times the upper limit of normal
  • Acute bacterial infection requiring antibiotics at screening
  • Known active hepatitis A, B, or C infection or HIV positive status
  • Moderate to severe chronic kidney disease with eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2, dialysis, or kidney transplant
  • History of cancer within 2 years requiring chemotherapy or radiation (except local therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer)
  • Unstable or worsening heart or lung disease within 6 months before consent
  • Conditions affecting drug absorption like major stomach or small intestine surgery
  • Participation in another investigational trial within 30 days or 5 drug half-lives
  • Medical, psychological, or behavioral issues that may affect safety or study compliance
  • Contraindications to MRI such as certain pacemakers or implants

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

1
2
3
+1

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 48 weeks

Participants receive the study drug empagliflozin to target sickle cell-related kidney disease.

Regular visits during treatment period

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

University of Illinois Chicago, Sickle Cell Center

Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60302

Actively Recruiting

Loading map...

Research Team

S

Santosh L Saraf, MD

A

Anand Srivastave, MD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

NA

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

1

Similar Trials

Biopsy-proven Diabetic Nephropathy in People With Type 2 Dia...

Chronic Kidney Diseases

Actively Recruiting

13 locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here

Published Research Related To This Trial

Cortical Perfusion and Tubular Function as Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates with Annual Loss in Renal Function in Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease.

Pottumarthi V Prasad, Lu-Ping Li, Jon M Thacker...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30669143

Multicenter Study Evaluating Intrarenal Oxygenation and Fibrosis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Individuals With Advanced CKD.

Pottumarthi V Prasad, Wei Li, Dominic S Raj...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30450473

Inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 improves anaemia in mice and humans with sickle cell disease, and reduces infarct size in a murine stroke model.

Jintao Wang, Paul Silaghi, Chiao Guo...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39267208

Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on haematocrit and haemoglobin levels and the associated cardiorenal benefits in T2DM patients: A meta-analysis.

Qi Tian, Keyu Guo, Jiayi Deng...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34878225

Determining glomerular filtration rate in homozygous sickle cell disease: utility of serum creatinine based estimating equations.

Monika R Asnani, O'Neil Lynch, Marvin E Reid

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23894560