Nephrology Clinical Trials and Other Human Subject Research Seeking Enrollment at Duke
We are currently conducting trials in each of these areas:
Contact John P. Middleton, MD if you are interested in more information
Updated: April 2026
Trials in Chronic Kidney Disease
Community APOL1 Research Engagement (CARE)
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05237388
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease. This is achieved through community engagement and screening for kidney disease (urine- and blood-based tests) and screening for kidney disease-causing APOL1 gene (saliva-based test). Individuals found to have APOL1-associated kidney disease will have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial seeking a cure.
See more information on the Community APOL1 Research Engagement (CARE) study.
Duke ApoL1 Nephropathy Biorepository (DARB)
Sponsors: Duke University/National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04160507
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The goal of this study is to discover how two common changes in the APOL1 gene cause kidney disease in some people while other carriers of the gene are protected. The study seeks adults with non-diabetic kidney failure (FSGS). Participation involves a onetime donation of a tablespoon of blood for research.
Janus kinase-STAT Inhibition to Reduce APOL1 Associated Kidney Disease
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05237388
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The goal of this Phase 2 clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baricitinib to reduce albuminuria with APOL1-associated FSGS and APOL1-associated CKD due to hypertension (HTN-CKD).
Trials in Hypertension
Trials in Glomerulonephritis
Community APOL1 Research Engagement (CARE)
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05237388
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease. This is achieved through community engagement and screening for kidney disease (urine- and blood-based tests) and screening for kidney disease-causing APOL1 gene (saliva-based test). Individuals found to have APOL1-associated kidney disease will have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial seeking a cure.
See more information on the Community APOL1 Research Engagement (CARE) study.
Duke ApoL1 Nephropathy Biorepository (DARB)
Sponsors: Duke University/National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04160507
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The goal of this study is to discover how two common changes in the APOL1 gene cause kidney disease in some people while other carriers of the gene are protected. The study seeks adults with non-diabetic kidney failure (FSGS). Participation involves a onetime donation of a tablespoon of blood for research.
Janus kinase-STAT Inhibition to Reduce APOL1 Associated Kidney Disease
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05237388
PI: Opeyemi Olabisi
Currently enrolling
The goal of this Phase 2 clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baricitinib to reduce albuminuria with APOL1-associated FSGS and APOL1-associated CKD due to hypertension (HTN-CKD).
Trials in Dialysis
Novel Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Pulmonary Hypertension in End-Stage Kidney Disease (PH-ESKD)
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
PI: Daniel Edmonston
Currently enrolling
The objective of this study is to determined how select risk factors which affect vascular biology associate with the risk, severity, and progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in persons with ESKD.