Dapagliflozin to Reduce the Decline in Renal Function in Patients Newly Diagnosed With Lupus Nephritis

Summary

Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. This condition causes inflammation and damage to the kidneys and is a major cause of chronic kidney disease, especially in the Latin American population. In these patients, the disease often appears at a younger age, presents with more intense inflammation, and has a more aggressive course.

Although treatments exist that help control the immune response and reduce kidney damage, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve sustained kidney recovery. As a result, protein loss in the urine persists, and kidney function continues to deteriorate over time.

Given this situation, new therapeutic alternatives have emerged aimed at protecting kidney function. Among them is dapagliflozin, a medication that has shown benefits in various types of chronic kidney disease by helping to lower pressure within the kidneys, reduce inflammation, and limit the formation of scar tissue. However, there is still limited information on its effectiveness in people with active lupus nephritis.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with lupus nephritis. The results will generate scientific evidence to help improve renal protection strategies in this population.

To this end, a phase II, open-label, controlled, randomized clinical trial will be conducted in adult patients newly diagnosed with lupus nephritis treated at the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca". Participants will be randomly assigned in a one-to-one ratio to two groups: one will receive standard treatment plus dapagliflozin (10 mg daily), and the other will receive only standard treatment.

For three months, the amount of protein excreted in urine, renal function, and progression to chronic kidney disease will be evaluated. In addition, potential adverse effects, changes in lupus activity, and variables related to the prevention of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases will be recorded.

Conditions

• Lupus Nephritis (LN)
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• SGLT 2 Inhibitors
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Interventions

DRUG

Dapagliflozin (10Mg Tab) along with standard medical therapy

Participants in the experimental group will receive a 3-month supply of dapagliflozin 10 mg/day. During follow-up, baseline measurements of lupus nephritis activity, proteinuria, eGFR, and safety will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.

DEVICE

Proteinuria Quantification

Estimación de los niveles de proteinuria por el índice proteínas/creatinina en muestra única de orina o la cuantificación de proteínas en muestra de orina de 24 horas según corresponda, así como la tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hospital Civil Juan I. Menchaca

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mónica Vázquez-Del Mercado Espinosa, MD, PhD. · Hospital Civil Juan I. Menchaca

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-28

Primary Completion

2027-01-28

Completion

2027-02-26

FDA Drug

Yes

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• Mexico

Study Locations