Study of Empagliflozin in Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (EMPA-PKD)

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) formation of cysts in the kidneys causes destruction of functional parenchyma and loss of kidney function, which may progress to end-stage kidney disease. Tolvaptan is the only drug specifically approved for slowing down the progression of ADPKD. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) might provide additional benefits but there is currently no information on safety and outcome effects of SGLT2i in patients with ADPKD, as these patients were excluded in the landmark SGLT2i trials. In an investigator-initiated, double-blind, mono-center, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial the EMPA-PKD study is assessing the safety of empagliflozin in patients with rapid progressive ADPKD with and without concomitant tolvaptan use by monitoring kidney growth and the rate of loss of kidney function. 44 participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) to receive a daily dose of either empagliflozin (10 mg/day) or placebo for 18 months. Patients will be stratified according to concomitant tolvaptan use. The primary endpoint is progression of cystic kidney growth by monitoring MRI-based changes in total kidney volume and the secondary endpoint is exploring changes in glomerular filtration rate. Additional endpoints include adverse events and changes in copeptin levels, albuminuria and blood pressure.