Dr. Vikas S. Sridhar, Ph.D.
Award: KRESCENT New Investigator Award
Institution: University of British Columbia
Year: 2026-2029
Project Title: Protecting the Heart and Kidneys After a Transplant
Topic(s): Transplantation
Biography
I joined the Division of Nephrology at the University of British Columbia with a research focus on repurposing and expanding the applications of therapeutic agents with established and proposed cardio-kidney-metabolic benefits to novel chronic kidney disease populations, and a clinical focus on providing world-class pre- and post-transplant care to patients with end-stage kidney disease. One important research interest revolves around diabetes and cardiovascular-kidney health in the post solid organ transplant setting. This is a relatively under-served area of research with significant potential and need for expansion – despite advances in reducing rates of acute rejection, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remain common in this population. A lack of effective therapies that improve cardio-kidney-metabolic outcomes further accentuates the problem. My research program is comprised of a blend of mechanistic and translational renal physiology, as well as involvement in high impact clinical trials of varying sizes in transplant and non-transplant patient populations.
Lay Summary
Background: A kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure. It helps people live longer and feel healthier compared with dialysis. But a transplant is not a cure. Many people still face serious problems, including their new kidney failing or dying earlier than expected. Even small problems with kidney function soon after transplant can lead to bigger health issues later, like heart disease, diabetes, and shorter life. There are new medicines that protect both the heart and kidneys in people who have not had a transplant. However, people with transplanted kidneys were not included in the studies that tested these medicines, so it is unclear if these treatments are safe or effective after a transplant. As a result, the medicines are not used consistently, and many transplant recipients may not be receiving optimal care.
Purpose: This research program aims to help kidney transplant recipients live longer, healthier lives by focusing on the shared causes of heart, kidney, and metabolic problems after transplant. By understanding how these problems develop, we hope to identify safe and effective treatments that protect the kidney, reduce heart complications, and improve quality of life. The program has three main goals:
Understand how patients and doctors make decisions about these medicines and what makes it hard to use them.
Test whether one of these new medicines called sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor (SGLTi) are effective and safe after a kidney transplant.
To evaluate where these new medicines can prevent early kidney injury that occurs immediately at the time of transplantation.
Methods: The research program combines patient engagement, clinical trials, and database studies:
Pillar 1 – Patient and Doctor Input: We will survey and interview transplant recipients and their doctors to learn what matters most to them, what concerns they have, and how they make decisions about new medicines. Using a curated survey, participants will weigh the benefits and risks of these drugs alone and in combination.
Pillar 2 – Clinical Trial: We will run a large, multicenter clinical trial with 900 transplant recipients. Half will get a class of medication called SGLTi, and half will get a placebo. They will be followed for up to five years. The main question is whether the medicine lowers the risk of serious heart and kidney problems while being safe and well tolerated.
Pillar 3 – Early Kidney Injury Study: Some kidneys do not work well immediately after transplant. It affects 20–30% of recipients and can predict long-term problems. We believe that SGLTi may help the transplanted kidney start working properly sooner, rather than being slow to function after surgery.
To study this, we will:
Look at past records to see if donors who were treated with SGLTi have a lower risk of their transplanted kidneys being slow to start working.
Interview families, clinicians, and patients about ethical and practical issues related to giving medicine to donors and recipients.
Carry out a small trial where SGLTi are given to deceased donors and the recipients of their kidney to see if it is safe and helps the new kidney start working sooner.
Anticipated Outcomes: This research will identify early signs of kidney problems, improve understanding of what causes these problems, and provide evidence on whether SGLTi are safe and effective for transplant recipients. It will also help us learn how to use these medicines in a way that puts patients first, and guide future studies that tailor treatment to each individual.
Patient Engagement: Three transplant recipients are part of the research team. They help design surveys and interviews, give feedback on study plans, and will help interpret results. Their involvement ensures the research focuses on issues that matter most to patients. Relevance to Patients and Community: This work directly addresses gaps in transplant care. By providing clear evidence on safe and effective medicines that protect the heart and kidneys, the program aims to prevent complications, extend the life of transplanted kidneys, and improve quality of life. Because patients and doctors are actively involved, the results will be practical, ethical, and easier to use in real-life care. Conclusion: This program combines patient input, clinical trials, and scientific studies to improve care after kidney transplant. It will identify safe medicines, explain why early kidney problems happen, and help patients and doctors make informed decisions. Ultimately, it aims to improve survival, prevent heart and kidney complications, and set a new standard of care for transplant recipients.