INI-CRCT is a French clinical research network dedicated to cardio-renal diseases. Accredited as an F-CRIN, it brings together teams committed to advancing research and improving patient outcomes by developing clinical trials, cohorts, and registries through a collaborative approach between cardiology and nephrology.
INI-CRCT, the clinical research network on cardio-renal diseases
The INI-CRCT network (Investigation Network Initiative in Cardio-Renal Clinical Trials) is a national clinical research network dedicated to cardio-renal diseases. Established in 2014, it is committed to excellence, as evidenced by its F-CRIN accreditation, which has been renewed several times.
Its goal is to improve the cardiovascular prognosis of patients with kidney disease, by facilitating the development of innovative clinical studies. To this end, the network relies on close collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and research professionals.
INI-CRCT thus brings together numerous hospitals and research teams nationwide. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach, combining nephrology and cardiology in particular, as well as epidemiology and methodology.
The network supports project leaders at every stage of their studies, from design to the application of results. In this way, it helps structure clinical research in the cardio-renal field and strengthen its impact for the benefit of patients.
Organization
The INI-CRCT network is coordinated by Prof. Patrick Rossignol. Its coordination unit, based at the IRIS at the Nancy University Hospital (CHRU), has been ISO 9001 certified since 2018, ensuring the quality of its operations.
Established in 2014 and designated as an F-CRIN, the network is supported by a structured national organization, bringing together hospitals and research teams involved in conducting clinical trials.
INI-CRCT now brings together a dynamic network of more than 100 specialists and numerous university hospitals throughout France. Since its creation, it has supported more than 150 research projects and contributed to the enrollment of approximately 30,000 patients.
This organization facilitates the implementation of large-scale, multicenter studies by leveraging close collaboration among experts in nephrology, cardiology, and related disciplines.
Scientific Expertise
The INI-CRCT network is active in the field of cardio-renal diseases and offers a range of expertise to support investigators and sponsors.
Expertise in Pathology Research
- Cardiorenal Diseases and Heart-Kidney Interactions
- Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Complications
- Pathophysiology
- Epidemiology and real-world data
Clinical Research Expertise
- Design and Conduct of Innovative Clinical Trials
- National and international multicenter studies
- Development and organization of cohorts, registries, and biobanks
- Implementation, coordination, and monitoring of clinical trials
- Compliance with good clinical practices and regulatory requirements
- Support for project leaders, from feasibility to commercialization
Completed Projects and Notable Achievements
Each year, the network contributes to tangible advances in clinical research, with several studies completed. Here are a few examples:
RETREAT-FRAIL is the first international randomized clinical trial to have evaluated, over the long term, the impact of a gradual reduction in antihypertensive medications among very elderly and frail nursing home residents. The study included 1,048 individuals aged 80 years and older, who were being treated with at least two antihypertensive medications and already had low blood pressure. The participants, who were followed for more than three years, were divided into two groups: one group received a gradual, protocol-based reduction in medication, while the other continued usual care.
Link to the publication: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2508157?query=featured_home
ALCHEMIST is a randomized, double-blind trial—representing the highest level of evidence in clinical medicine—in which Professors Luc Frimat and Patrick Rossignol served as principal investigators. Between 2013 and 2022, 823 dialysis patients were followed at more than 60 centers to determine whether spironolactone could reduce heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular deaths.
Link to the publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40818851/
Current Projects
The network is currently involved in several multicenter studies aimed at advancing knowledge and clinical practice, including:
The RESOLVE study will determine whether, among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at centers using a standard concentration of sodium in the dialysate (DNa+), treatment at a center using a standard DNa+ concentration of 137 mmol/L, compared with 140 mmol/L, reduces the incidence of major cardiovascular events and mortality.
- Sponsor: The George Institute for Global Health
- Principal Investigator: Patrick ROSSIGNOL
- Field: Nephrology
For more information: https://www.inicrct.fr/2025/07/16/resolve/
Intensification of antihypertensive therapy based on diuretics, compared with usual care, in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled cluster trial.
- Sponsor: Tours University Hospital
- Principal Investigator: Bénédicte SAUTENET
- Research Area: Nephrology
For more information: https://www.inicrct.fr/2025/07/16/think/
Discontinuation of beta-blockers in patients with heart failure and recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction.
- Sponsor: APHP
- Principal Investigator: Jean-Sébastien HULOT
- Research Area: Cardiology
For more information: https://www.inicrct.fr/2025/07/16/bonfire/
Contact the network
To learn more about the network, visit the website: https://www.inicrct.fr
You can also contact the network by sending an email to inicrct@chru-nancy.fr
