Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Baylor Research Institute received a $306,441 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. This pilot randomized clinical trial, titled "RAPID-CKD," will assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of rapid, simultaneous therapy initiation in patients with concurrent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study will evaluate whether a protocolized approach that initiates multiple evidence-based medications—including renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists—over an 8-week period yields superior outcomes compared to conventional sequential therapy initiation that typically spans 18-24 months.

The research addresses a critical clinical gap by testing whether the intensive combination therapy approach successfully employed in heart failure can be safely and effectively adapted for CKD patients. The study will generate evidence regarding early reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and CKD progression, as well as patient adherence outcomes, thereby informing future clinical practice guidelines for managing this high-risk patient population. Research activities will be conducted at Baylor Research Institute's facility in Temple, Texas.