Kidney Disease Pharmacology: Drugs, Biologics, Delivery & Devices

The goal of this research program is to pioneer discoveries and knowledge in aspects of clinical pharmacology that are directly related to patients with kidney diseases. There is a paucity of literature in this area with respect to special populations of kidney disease patients (such as those with various forms of glomerulonephritis) and in understanding determinants of drug metabolism and transport function in patients with kidney diseases. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches are used in studies of drug metabolism/transport, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics.

The goal of this research program is focused on circumventing kidney injury and related morbidity and mortality due to medications. While there are several purely basic science approaches to the study of kidney injury, my research bridges the basic science to the clinical science to enhance the translational potential for reducing the burden of kidney injury due to medications. The research in this area incorporates in vitro and in vivo studies. Specific areas of emphasis are 1) mitigation of kidney injury, 2) role of drug metabolism and transport in nephrotoxicity, 3) role of pharmacogenomics in kidney injury due to drugs.

The goal of research under this program is to discover and develop novel drugs and devices for kidney diseases. It is well-recognized that the rate of new drug and device approvals for kidney disease indications is lagging as compared to other therapeutic areas. Current research includes 1) a novel device for reducing the burden of hyperphosphatemia in End Stage Kidney Disease, 2) novel drugs and drug delivery strategies, and 3) repurposed drugs for kidney diseases.