Nephrology

Nephrology Research Backed by Specialized Experience

Sequoia supports nephrology research across chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, ADPKD, FSGS, and lupus nephritis. Our experienced investigators, access to renal and dialysis patient populations, and established nephrology study experience help sponsors confidently advance nephrology programs. 

Nephrology Experience 

Sequoia’s nephrology experience spans common, complex, and rare renal indications across approximately 100 trials, supported by investigators who maintain active nephrology practices. 

Patient Access & Study Execution 

Sequoia’s nephrology investigators maintain active clinical practices with close connections to established renal patient populations. Our teams also have experience recruiting dialysis patients and executing studies that require careful coordination across complex patient needs

~100

nephrology trials across chronic, complex, and rare renal indications

40,000+

participant research database

65,000+

active patient charts

20+

dedicated study recruiters, each handling approximately 100 calls per day

Dialysis patient recruitment and management experience 

Investigators with concurrent nephrology practice, supporting direct referral access 

Supporting Investigators 

Dr. Ahmed Awad is a board-certified nephrologist who has worked in clinical research since 1999 and contributed to over 100 trials. He has also authored guidance for primary care physicians on the early detection of kidney disease and serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at UMKC. His clinical and research experience provides dedicated nephrology expertise across Sequoia’s network. 

Dr. Damaris Vega is a board-certified endocrinologist with 20+ years of clinical research experience. Her work in obesity and metabolic research includes patient populations with CKD, hypertension, and heart failure, bringing complementary cardiometabolic expertise to studies involving patients with kidney disease. 

Dr. Rocio Harbison is a board-certified endocrinologist with 10 years of clinical research experience in obesity studies across patients with CKD, hypertension, and heart failure. Her endocrine and cardiometabolic research experience supports studies involving complex renal populations. 

Protocol-Specific Capabilities 

Depending on protocol requirements, Sequoia provides access to specialized resources including: 

Outpatient exam and infusion capacity  

Dialysis-compatible visit scheduling and specimen logistics 

PBMC laboratory 

Onsite pharmacy 

Inpatient capabilities 

PK/PD support 

IATA-certified specimen handling 

NETWORK

Backed by the Sequoia Network

Every nephrology study benefits from shared operational support, standardized quality systems, and collaborative investigator expertise. 

Five FDA inspections with zero Form 483 findings reflect Sequoia's commitment to consistent quality across every study. 

Discuss Your Nephrology Study 

Connect with Sequoia to explore investigator fit, patient access, and feasibility for your next nephrology clinical trial. 

Frequently asked questions

What kidney conditions does Sequoia study?

Sequoia supports nephrology research across chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, ADPKD, FSGS, and lupus nephritis, along with related renal conditions such as anemia of CKD, hyperkalemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and uremic pruritus. 

Yes. Sequoia has experience recruiting and managing dialysis patients, including the visit scheduling and specimen logistics these protocols require. Feasibility for any individual study is assessed against eligibility criteria and the available population. 

Yes. FSGS and lupus nephritis studies sit within Sequoia’s portfolio of approximately 100 nephrology trials. Sequoia’s team also randomized 50% of the 32 patients in a 15-site Phase 2 ADPKD study.  

Nephrology studies are supported by Dr. Ahmed Awad, Dr. Damaris Vega, Dr. Rocio Harbison, and Sequoia’s growing network of investigators, matched to each protocol’s therapeutic focus and patient population.