In short
This article provides information about ongoing clinical trials for albuminuria, a condition where excess protein appears in the urine, often indicating kidney problems. Currently, there is 1 active trial investigating new treatment approaches for people with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. The trial is being conducted remotely in the Netherlands and explores the combined use of medications to protect kidney function.
Clinical trial locations
- Netherlands
Remote Study on Empagliflozin and Finerenone for Reducing Kidney Issues in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
This trial focuses on people with type 2 diabetes who have albuminuria, meaning they have higher than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in their urine. This condition often signals that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. The study examines whether two medications, empagliflozin and finerenone, can be used together to improve kidney health.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Participants must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Must have a UACR (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio) between 4.5 mg/mmol and 300 mg/mmol, which measures the amount of protein in the urine
- Must have an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) of at least 25 mL/min/1.73m², which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering waste
- Must be taking a stable dose of an ACE inhibitor or ARB, which are blood pressure medications
- Must be proficient in the Dutch language
Main exclusion criteria:
- People without type 2 diabetes cannot participate
- People without elevated albuminuria are not eligible
- Those outside the specified age range cannot join
Focus and goal: The trial aims to determine how well empagliflozin and finerenone work together to protect kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria. The study is conducted entirely remotely, allowing participants to take part from their homes using digital technologies. This approach makes it easier for people to participate without frequent clinic visits. Participants will monitor their blood pressure and body weight, and regularly provide urine samples for analysis. The researchers will evaluate how feasible it is for patients to participate in a remote trial and how well they follow the treatment plan. The study will also measure changes in kidney function, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Investigational drugs: The trial uses two medications. Empagliflozin (marketed as Jardiance) helps control blood sugar levels by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream through urine. It is being tested to see if it can also reduce the amount of protein in the urine. Finerenone (marketed as Kerendia) protects the kidneys by blocking certain hormones that can cause kidney damage, reducing inflammation and scarring. Both medications are taken orally as film-coated tablets. Empagliflozin is provided in 10 mg doses, while finerenone is available in both 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The dosage is adjusted based on individual response throughout the study.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial for albuminuria, located in the Netherlands. This trial is particularly innovative as it is conducted entirely remotely, allowing participants to engage from their homes using digital health technologies. The study focuses specifically on people with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria, investigating the combined use of empagliflozin and finerenone to protect kidney function. Both medications work through different mechanisms—empagliflozin helps remove excess glucose through urine while finerenone blocks hormones that damage the kidneys. This combination approach may offer enhanced kidney protection for people living with diabetes-related kidney problems. The remote nature of the trial represents a modern approach to clinical research that may increase accessibility for patients who face challenges attending frequent clinic visits.
