Kidney Disease & Nephrology Clinical Trials Update: Week 14, 2026

Published April 3, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert

The Chronic Kidney Disease Adaptive Platform Trial Investigating Various Agents for Therapeutic Effect

This Phase 3 trial is testing finerenone, a medication aimed at slowing kidney damage in people with chronic kidney disease. By reducing the risk of kidney failure, this treatment could help many patients maintain better kidney health for longer. The study is recruiting participants internationally and plans to enroll 1000 people, making it one of the largest trials focused on chronic kidney disease treatments.

Implementation of Metformin theraPy to Ease Decline of Kidney Function in Polycystic Kidney Disease (IMPEDE-PKD)

This study is exploring whether metformin, a common diabetes drug, can slow the decline of kidney function in people with early-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). If metformin proves effective, it could offer a new way to reduce the progression of this inherited kidney condition and improve patients’ quality of life. The trial is enrolling over 1100 participants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Kidney Transplant Preemptive Therapy or Prophylaxis for CMV Prevention in D+R Recipients

This trial is testing two antiviral approaches to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults who have received a kidney transplant. CMV can cause serious complications after transplant, so finding better prevention methods could improve recovery and long-term health for transplant recipients. The study is recruiting 360 participants in the United States and aims to provide results after several years of follow-up.

Nitrite-boosting Therapy for Improving Physiological Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

This Phase 4 trial is examining whether nitrate-rich beetroot juice can improve blood vessel health, muscle strength, and brain function in people with chronic kidney disease. Such improvements may help patients stay physically and mentally active while reducing complications from kidney problems. The study is currently active but not recruiting, with 92 participants enrolled at a single site in the United States.

A Research Study to See if Kidney Damage in People With Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Living With Overweight or Obesity Can be Reduced by CagriSema Compared to Semaglutide, Cagrilintide and Placebo

This Phase 2 study is evaluating a new combination drug called CagriSema for people who have chronic kidney disease along with type 2 diabetes and excess weight or obesity. If effective, this treatment could help reduce kidney damage in a group of patients at high risk for kidney decline. The trial lasted about 35 weeks and included participants from multiple countries.

This week’s research highlights show promising efforts to slow kidney disease progression and improve patient health through new drugs and therapies. Ongoing studies in transplant care and polycystic kidney disease may soon offer new options for better management. Patients and caregivers can look forward to continued progress in treatments that aim to preserve kidney function and enhance quality of life.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.