About our Research Department

Our clinical research experience dates back to 2005. We have been involved in a multitude of clinical trials and, due to our success as a clinical site, have strong relationships with many leading pharmaceutical companies. Our Research Division is headed by Asha Bailey, D.O., Medical Director of Research. The Assistant Medical Directors are Howard Lifland, M.D. and Brian Powell, M.D. with Catherine Mack as our Clinical Research Manager. All providers at Columbia Nephrology are actively engaged in research and our team is dedicated to the purpose of research and fulfilling our role as clinical investigators. Our team holds the utmost regard to the ethical nature of the studies along with providing the best care to our patients. 

Nephrology Training

Our dedicated Research Department has extensive experience in conducting Phase II–IV clinical trials. As a site, we continue to play a prominent role in high-profile industry-sponsored observational studies and interventional clinical trials. With a combined total of over 37 years of research experience focused on nephrology, our research staff has the ability to ethically and knowledgeably conduct clinical trials with patient safety being our main focus. Our expansive facility has a local laboratory, a lab processing area for trials utilizing central labs, a dedicated research area and ample amount of exam rooms to facilitate study visits. 

Our studies have included the following indications:

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetic Nephropathy           
• Glomerulonephritis
• Anemia Management
• End Stage Kidney Disease
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Bone Mineral Metabolism
• Vascular Access
• Hyperkalemia
• APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease

Affiliations Include:

• Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.
• FibroGen, Inc.
• Ardelyx
• Vascular Therapies, Inc.
• AbbVie, Inc.
• Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• AstraZeneca
• Amgen, Inc.
• NIH/NIDDK
• Hospira, Inc.
• Frenova Renal Research
• Travere Therapeutics, Inc.
• Sanifit Therapeutics, Inc.
• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Current Enrolling Trials:

Our office always has enrolling clinical trials looking for participants.  If you would like more information about research, please reach out to our dedicated Research team at 803-252-9907 ext 1174. 

We are also looking for volunteers to participant in the following clinical trials:

• Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN)
• Hyperkalemia
• Kidney Disease with Proteinuria and From African American or Hispanic Ancestry

If you would like to get more information on any of the ongoing clinical trials offered at Columbia Nephrology, please fill out the Trial Interest form and our Research Department will be in contact with you to discuss your participation.