NCT06291155 · University of Michigan
Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibition in the Kidney
What this study is about
The goal of this where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, non-randomly assigned clinical trial is to determine what effects, if any, an FDA-approved drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors (Canagliflozin or INVOKANA) has any protective effects on kidney function in Type 2 diabetes.
View original scientific description
The goal of this open-label, non-randomized clinical trial is to determine what effects, if any, an FDA-approved drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors (Canagliflozin or INVOKANA) has any protective effects on kidney function in Type 2 diabetes. We are looking for participants 18-80 years of age, who have had a clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes for ≥ 3 years. Participants will be asked to sign a consent and complete a screening visit prior to study entry including the following procedures for this study: Consent and Screening: * Laboratory tests to determine baseline health * Ultrasound to measure kidney size and ensure presence of 2 functioning kidneys Month 0: * Study entry kidney MRI (day 0) * Study entry kidney biopsy (within 30 days of MRI) * Study entry visit for dispensing 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication 3 month supply Month 3: * Study visit to dispense remaining 3 months of 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication * Review of systems Month 6: * Follow-up kidney MRI * Follow-up kidney biopsy Study participants will also be requested to provide blood and urine samples for biobanking purposes. They will also be provided the opportunity to provide a stool sample at two time points, as well as the option to participate in a related study collecting samples to create induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Participants will be compensated for their time and loss of work time, additionally, a nominal additional compensation for optional stool and iPSC samples.
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
- Aged 18-80 years.
- The lower age limit was set so renal function test results would not reflect changes associated with growth.
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for ≥ 3 years.
- Estimated GFR \>45 and \< 90 ml/min/1.73m2 as determined from the CKD-EPI equation using serum creatinine (Levey et al., 2009)
- A screening urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio \<3000 mg/g.
- Willingness to participate after receiving a thorough explanation of the study.
- Participants receiving a RAAS inhibitor must have been receiving the drug at maximum tolerable dose for at least 3 months prior to the study baseline examination.
- Participants receiving a GLP-1 receptor agonist must have been receiving the drug for at least 3 months prior to the study baseline examination.
- Participants must meet the current clinical guidelines for prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors, to maintain FDA-approved standards
Exclusion criteria
- Clinically significant disorders of the liver \[cirrhosis, portal hypertension, hepatitis, increased bilirubin (≥1.5 mg/dl), active or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, symptomatic peripheral vascular disease, (i.e. intermittent claudication), pulmonary diseases (including uncontrolled asthma and restrictive or obstructive lung disease requiring therapy), renal-urinary disorders (calculi, urinary tract obstruction, glomerulonephritis, chronic infection), gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia sufficient to cause weight loss or wasting), or hematocrit levels ≤30 percent in women or ≤35 percent in men.
- Prior and ongoing treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors
- Renovascular or malignant hypertension; uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥150 or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg)
- Hematuria of unknown etiology.
- Prior to entry into the study, any participant with hematuria should be evaluated, the etiology established and documented, and treatment rendered as appropriate.
- Chronic debilitating disorders with or without treatment (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus \[SLE\], cancer, amyloidosis, and chronic infection) that would interfere with the assessment of kidney function or that might reduce the chances of survival for a sufficient length of time to evaluate the efficacy of treatment.
- Currently receiving a drug regimen that includes steroids, immunosuppressants, or investigational new drugs not associated with this trial.
- SGLT2 inhibitors are not recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, we do not wish to expose pregnant women to conscious sedation that is used during the kidney biopsies.. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test prior to entry and every 2 months during the study and agree to using an effective form of contraception throughout the study, such as the oral contraceptive pill or an intrauterine device. Women who are planning a pregnancy in the next three years will be excluded.
- Known hypersensitivity to canagliflozin or iodine.
- Bleeding disorders or requirements for anticoagulation or platelet inhibitors which cannot be safely interrupted since kidney biopsies cannot be performed safely in these individuals.
- Massive obesity with body mass index ≥45 kg/m².
- Kidney biopsies are more technically difficult with massive obesity.
- Allergy to iodine-containing contrast material or shellfish.
- Non-diabetic kidney disease - based on clinical history or kidney biopsy examination.
- History of osteoporotic fracture.
- History of lower-limb amputation irrespective of etiology
- Conditions likely to interfere with informed consent or compliance with the protocol.
- Known solitary kidney
- Size of one or both kidneys on ultrasound \< 9 cm (small kidney size is concerning for renal atrophy due to underlying kidney disease) or \> 2 cm discrepancy between left and right kidney sizes based on largest longitudinal diameter
- Current use of UGT enzyme inducters, lithium, and digoxin
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) \> 80 gm/dL
- INR \> 1.4 (a)
- PTT \> 35 seconds (a)
- Platelet count \< 100,000 uL (a)
- Hemoglobin (Hgb) \< 10 mg/dL (a)
- Hydronephrosis or other important renal ultrasound findings such as significant stone disease
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
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 Jun 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations