Orange : Center Seeks Volunteers to Test Promising Drug

UCI Medical Center researchers are seeking volunteers for a study to test a new drug that shows promise in delaying diabetes-related kidney damage.

The drug, which was not identified, reduces high blood pressure in the vessels and structures of the kidneys, a condition that can be produced by diabetes and contributes to eventual kidney failure.

The drug already has been administered to 700 non-diabetics for the treatment of congestive heart failure, hypertension and edema, an abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissues.

The study requires volunteers between 18 and 70 years old who have had diabetes for at least 10 years and have experienced some early kidney deterioration, but who are not undergoing dialysis. The volunteers will receive monthly clinical evaluations at no charge.

The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Cyril Barton, associate professor of medicine, said that diabetes-related kidney damage is irreversible. Deterioration causes death within three to five years unless treated by dialysis or kidney transplantation, he said.

Barton will be joined in the study by Dr. Jean-Louis Selam, an associate professor and diabetes expert from Montpellier, France.

Diabetics interested in the research project should call Carol Holleman, study coordinator, at the medical center, 634-6673.