Therapeutic Research
Beyond the drug pipeline — evidence-based dietary, supplement, and lifestyle interventions being studied for PKD/ADPKD.
Dietary Interventions
Studies on diet modifications for PKD
Ketogenic Diet (52-week)
Dietary20 high-risk ADPKD patients on strict keto (<50g carbs) for 1 year with MRI imaging. First long-duration keto trial with htTKV endpoint. Led by Jeff Volek.
Researchers: Jeff Volek, Madison Kackley
Read moreKetogenic Metabolic Therapy (Juntendo)
DietaryFirst trial to show kidney volume decrease in ADPKD. 12-month interim: TKV significantly decreased (p=0.026). Strong dose-response between ketone levels and kidney shrinkage (ρ=-0.86). >50 participants enrolled with control group; final results expected 2027.
Researchers: Shigeo Horie, Thomas Weimbs
Read moreKetogenic Diet (KETO-ADPKD)
Dietary66 patients randomized for 3 months. Non-significant kidney volume reduction trend (-0.55% vs +0.79% control). Significant liver volume reduction (-4.73%). eGFR improved +5.51% (creatinine) / +13.9% (cystatin-C). 95% found feasible.
Researchers: Roman-Ulrich Müller, Thomas Weimbs
Read moreTime-Restricted Eating
Dietary29 patients, 8-hour eating window vs healthy eating for 12 months. Adherence target not met (60% vs 75% goal). Both groups lost modest weight. Conclusion: weight loss may matter more than eating timing.
Researchers: Kristen Nowak
Mediterranean Diet
DietaryHigher adherence associated with lower oxidative stress and reduced endothelial dysfunction in ADPKD patients. No interventional trial yet.
Researchers: Multiple groups
Supplements
Ketone and nutritional supplement research
Ren-Nu + KetoCitra (Cleveland Clinic)
Supplement20 ADPKD patients, 3-month program: plant-focused keto diet + KetoCitra + continuous glucose monitoring. First formal interventional study of KetoCitra at a major academic center.
Researchers: Richard Fatica, Thomas Weimbs
Read moreExogenous Ketone Supplement (RCT)
SupplementRandomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover trial of exogenous ketones in 43 participants (estimated). Measures GFR via Tc99m-DTPA clearance.
Researchers: Trine Z. Lyksholm
Read moreKetoCitra (Ren-Nu Observational)
Supplement103 patients in 3-month program. eGFR increased 6.3% (P<0.0001), BMI -4.5%, 52% pain reduction, 50% reduced/stopped blood pressure meds.
Researchers: Thomas Weimbs
Read moreLifestyle
Non-dietary lifestyle interventions
High Water Intake
Lifestyle184 patients over 3 years. NEGATIVE result: no significant benefit (6.8% vs 7.8% annual kidney growth, P=0.18). Only 52% achieved target urine osmolality.
Researchers: Gopala Rangan
Repurposed Drugs
Existing drugs being studied for PKD
Metformin
Repurposed DrugPhase 2 (TAME-PKD) showed safety and encouraging but non-significant eGFR preservation. Phase 3 now recruiting 1,174 patients — largest PKD trial to date.
Researchers: Kenneth Hallows
About this research
Therapeutic approaches listed here are based on published clinical trials and peer-reviewed research. "Completed" means results are available; "In Progress" means the trial is still ongoing. This is not medical advice — discuss any interventions with your healthcare provider.