Key Learnings from ERA 2026: What It Means for Emerald Clinical
The 63rd ERA Congress, held June 3–6, 2026 in Glasgow, reinforced a clear message for the nephrology community: the future of renal drug development will be shaped by deeper scientific understanding, smarter trial design, and stronger integration of data and clinical insight.
For Emerald Clinical, several themes stand out.
Precision medicine is accelerating in renal disease
ERA 2026 showcased significant advances in understanding disease mechanisms—particularly within IgA nephropathy, C3G, and other glomerular diseases. Late-breaking studies and long-term datasets are enabling more targeted therapies and refined patient stratification.
Implication: Sponsors increasingly need CRO partners with deep indication expertise to design trials aligned to evolving biology—not generic protocols.
Late-breaking data reinforces disease-modifying opportunity in CKD
A key highlight from the Late-Breaking Clinical Trials session was new Phase III evidence from the FIND-CKD programme demonstrating the disease-modifying effects of finerenone across chronic kidney disease, including glomerular disease populations.
Data showed that finerenone slowed kidney function decline and reduced the risk of kidney–cardiovascular outcomes by 23% versus placebo, alongside meaningful reductions in albuminuria (39% at 12 months).
Implication: The bar for renal trials is shifting toward demonstrating clear disease modification—requiring robust design, meaningful endpoints, and deep therapeutic understanding.
Real-world evidence and patient-centered outcomes are becoming core endpoints
Across sessions, there was a notable shift toward integrating real-world data, quality-of-life measures, and patient-reported outcomes into clinical development.
Implication: Trial success is no longer defined solely by regulatory endpoints. Emerald Clinical’s ability to embed patient-centric design and real-world insights into studies is a clear differentiator.
“There was an ability throughout this conference to meet, in person, with potential sponsors who seek guidance and experience from Emerald Clinical who are considering clinical trials in nephrology. Emerald Clinical were able to engage in discussion of topics relating to renal experience with these sponsors, but also to meet with Investigators, who themselves are Clinical Nephrologists, experienced in clinical trials and keen to know more about our CRO services and experience in this therapeutic area. We welcomed all opportunity to discuss what services and solutions Emerald Clinical can provide in the renal clinical trial space”
Ann Reid, Manager, Clinical Operations
Innovation in CKD therapies continues to expand
New data highlighted continued progress in chronic kidney disease, with multiple therapies demonstrating benefits in renal outcomes and patient quality of life.
Implication: The pipeline is becoming more competitive and data-rich—placing a premium on speed, operational quality, and differentiation in trial execution.
Complexity of renal trials remains a critical barrier
The breadth of ERA’s scientific programme—from CKD to transplantation and acute kidney injury—underscored the heterogeneity of renal diseases and the operational challenges in clinical trials.
Implication: Successful execution demands specialized networks, strong investigator relationships, and early strategic input—aligned with Emerald Clinical’s model of expert-led trial design.
Data, AI, and advanced analytics are shaping the next generation of trials
Emerging use of AI and advanced data approaches was evident across research presentations, from biomarker discovery to treatment optimization.
Implication: CROs must evolve beyond execution to become data-driven partners—leveraging insights to improve decision-making, patient selection, and timelines.
Bottom Line for Emerald Clinical
ERA 2026 confirms a structural shift in renal clinical development:
- From generic CRO delivery → to specialist, indication-led partnerships
- From traditional endpoints → to patient-centered, real-world outcomes
- From operational execution → to data-driven strategic collaboration
For Emerald Clinical—already positioned with deep renal expertise, advisory board-led strategy, and a track record in complex indications such as IgAN and glomerular diseases—this evolution plays directly to its strengths.
The opportunity is clear: continue to lead with scientific credibility, embed earlier in trial design, and position as the partner of choice for sponsors navigating the increasingly complex renal development landscape