Could removing lead protect kidneys in diabetes?
NCT ID NCT07709871
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether an oral medication that removes lead from the body can slow kidney function decline in people with type 2 diabetes and high lead levels. Participants take dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) capsules for up to 3 months, then are followed for 12 months. The goal is to see if lowering lead burden helps preserve kidney health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) capsules for lead removal
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to slow kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes who have elevated lead levels.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-arm study with no placebo group, so results may be uncertain. The treatment may not meaningfully slow kidney decline or could cause side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 42 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetic nephropathy; 2. Baseline blood lead level ≥ 5 μg/dL; 3. Chronic kidney disease stage ≤ 3; 4. 24-hour urinary protein \< 8 g; 5. Age ≥ 18 years; 6. Able to voluntarily sign a written informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Combined hypertension or hyperlipidemia; 2. Confirmed history of autoimmune diseases; 3. Personal history of malignant tumors; 4. Reversible renal insufficiency (malignant hypertension, active urinary tract infection, recent use of nephrotoxic drugs); 5. Previous occupational lead exposure history; 6. Known drug allergy to dimercaptosuccinic acid; 7. Unable to complete regular follow-up visits.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.