NCT07323524 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Dapagliflozin in Active Lupus Nephritis
(Dapa-Active LN)
What this study is about
Lupus nephritis is a chronic and life-threatening autoimmune cause of kidney disease that predominately impacts young people and can lead to kidney failure. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, are known to improve outcomes for people with other causes of chronic kidney disease.
View original scientific description
Lupus nephritis is a chronic and life-threatening autoimmune cause of kidney disease that predominately impacts young people and can lead to kidney failure. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin, are known to improve outcomes for people with other causes of chronic kidney disease. This pilot and feasibility randomized clinical trial will test the use of dapagliflozin versus placebo in addition to standard of care treatment for patients with early and active lupus nephritis, a group who has not been included in past trials.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- • Age 18-70 years, fulfilling 2012 SLICC or 2019 ACR/EULAR criteria for SLE, with biopsy-proven class III, IV and/or V LN
- Active (new or relapsing) LN within the prior six months, with at least one of the following:
- Kidney biopsy with activity index \>2 and/or
- Active urinary sediment (\>5 RBCs, \>5 WBCs, or cellular casts)
- Receiving standard-of-care immunosuppression regimen for active LN, including mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, belimumab, azathioprine, a calcineurin inhibitor, and/or B cell depleting therapies
- Recent or ongoing glucocorticoids use for active LN within the past 6 months
- Receiving standard-of-care antimalarial therapy and RAAS blockade, unless contraindicated
- Estimated ≥0.5 g/g 24 hr proteinuria or ≥0.3 mg/g 24 hr microalbuminuria at enrollment (on first morning urine)
- Ability to given informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- GFR \< 25 ml/min/1.73m2
- Acute kidney injury at study enrollment (\>50 percent rise in creatinine within 90 days)
- Type I diabetes, underweight (BMI \<18.5), active malignancy, active infection, or recurrent genitourinary infections
- For females: pregnancy, or desiring of pregnancy and not using contraception, or unable to use contraception
- Current use of \>1mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent
- Current or prior use of SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations