Polycystic kidney disease is a debilitating and painful disease, one that stems from a gene mutation and as yet, has no cure or even an effective therapy aside from an organ transplant. Over time, it can cause a kidney — normally the size of one’s fist — to grow as large as a football in extreme cases. If not treated, it can result in renal failure and other complications such as high blood pressure, liver cysts and blood vessel problems in the brain and heart.
However, a research team led by IUPUI biology professor Bonnie Blazer-Yost and Dr. Sharon Moe, chief of nephrology at the Indiana University School of Medicine is about to embark on human clinical trials on an innovative drug that — if successful — could stop or drastically inhibit the continued growth of polycystic kidneys. Such a development would significantly prolong quality of life for scores of PKD sufferers.
The trials, assisted by Dr. Robert Bacallao, director of the Polycystic Disease Clinic at the IU School of Medicine, and Dr. Vicente Torres of the Mayo Clinic’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, are expected to begin this fall at IUSM, with recruitment for trial participants already under way.
The Indiana University Research and Technology Corp. also is working with Blazer-Yost to find commercial partners for additional drug development. The trials are being funded under a three-year, $600,000 Food and Drug Administration grant.
Read more about the trials and participant recruitment here.
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