Chronic kidney disease is a slow burn – a disease that often progresses silently for years before symptoms appear. If you have CKD, you know the anxiety of watching test results, hoping your kidney function doesn’t decline further. A new international clinical trial launched in 2024 is testing a promising combination therapy that might help slow – or even halt – that decline. The EASi-KIDNEY trial is investigating whether a new compound called vicadrostat, when combined with an existing drug called empagliflozin, can help protect kidneys better than empagliflozin alone. With around 11,000 patients expected to participate across 15-20 countries, this trial could reshape how we treat CKD.
What is this new treatment trial?
Vicadrostat is a selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor – a drug that blocks a hormone that contributes to kidney damage and heart problems. When tested in an earlier trial alongside empagliflozin (a drug already known to slow kidney disease progression), vicadrostat reduced a marker of kidney damage (albuminuria, or protein in the urine) by up to 40%. This is promising because protein leakage suggests kidney damage; reducing it often correlates with protecting kidney function long-term. The EASi-KIDNEY trial will test whether this combination actually improves real outcomes – slowing kidney disease progression, reducing hospitalisation for heart failure, and preventing death – in a diverse global population.
You can read the full original article from the University of Oxford here: New trial to test potential treatment for chronic kidney disease.
A new option for slowing kidney decline?
There are roughly 850 million people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease, yet there is no cure – only treatments that slow progression. Empagliflozin has already made a real difference: a previous trial showed it reduces the risk of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death by 28%. But many people still experience worsening disease even with empagliflozin. Adding vicadrostat could be the next step in personalised kidney care, offering hope to patients who need additional protection. Guy Hill, Chair of MRIKPA, emphasises the importance of research like this: “Clinical trials are vital for understanding new treatments and improving outcomes for kidney patients. Every study brings us closer to better options.”
A trial, not a treatment – what to expect
This trial is in its recruitment phase now (the first patients were enrolled in Oxford in 2024), with full results expected around 2028-2029. It is not yet a treatment option for most patients – only those meeting strict criteria can participate. Even if successful, vicadrostat would add to existing treatment, not replace it. The trial is carefully designed to measure both benefit and safety over several years, which is how kidney research should work: patient safety comes first. If results are positive, it may take additional time for regulatory approval and availability on the NHS.
In the meantime, the treatments your renal team offers now – including empagliflozin if appropriate – remain your best protection. To learn more about treatments and managing CKD, visit our dietary guidance and lifestyle tips for kidney patients.
If you’re interested in clinical trials or have questions about your treatment options, speak with your renal team. For more information about MRIKPA and kidney research, contact us at support@mrikpa.org.uk or 07745 242 684. We’re here to support your kidney health journey.
Source: University of Oxford. “New trial to test potential treatment for chronic kidney disease.” Published September 18, 2024. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-09-18-new-trial-test-potential-treatment-chronic-kidney-disease
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice – please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
