Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/s...


Phase III clinical trial has started enrolling for the drug Tolvaptan. It is showing that it has stopped the progression of the disease and shrinking the cysts resulting in less renal pain and discomfort.

"autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. The accumulation of these cysts enlarges the kidneys, impairing renal function and may lead to renal failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. This disease can be life-threatening. Aside from early antihypertensive control and dietary protein restriction, which may offer a modest degree of protection, most surviving patients require renal replacement therapy (dialysis and transplant) and suffer from high morbidity and mortality.2 Tolvaptan is an oral vasopressin (water regulating hormone) inhibitor acting principally at the kidney cells affected by ADPKD. A rationale for use of tolvaptan in ADPKD is supported by research conducted in a variety of animal models. In these models, tolvaptan is effective in halting or reversing the progression of this renal disease. ,

The current study will evaluate whether tolvaptan will be potentially beneficial, while maintaining an adequate safety profile, by reducing total renal volume and other important consequences of the disease."
Posted on 05/01/07, 02:05 pm