Clinical trials are the backbone of medical research, and in glomerular diseases, they have driven drug approvals while also inspiring researchers to move beyond traditional designs toward innovative structures that deepen disease understanding and improve patient outcomes.
The standard trial design with a 9-month primary end point and 2-year outcomes related to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has worked well for many years. However, challenges arise, such as how to define and redefine trials to continue to make progress around the world, according to Vlado Perkovic, MBBS, PhD, a physician and researcher at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Dr. Perkovic discussed current trials, barriers, and ways to push clinical trials forward during a presentation at GlomCon Hawaii 2025, held September 22-25 on O’ahu, Hawaii. The hourlong session, titled “Trial Designs: Basket Trials, Umbrella Trials, Platform Trials, Pragmatic Trials,” included six other panelists from across the globe.