A Nephrology Associates, PC Initiative
Southeastern Clinical Research Institute.
The region's premier site for kidney studies, run by the same board-certified nephrologists who care for the CSRA every day. Rigorous, ethically governed trials that give our patients first access to tomorrow's therapies.
We practice medicine, and help write it.
The nephrologists of Nephrology Associates do not only apply the standard of care. Through Southeastern Clinical Research Institute they serve as principal and site investigators on the trials that define modern kidney medicine, and the therapies those trials prove reach the CSRA first, in the hands of the physicians who helped test them.
Site investigator and published author on the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, the study that reset blood-pressure targets for people with kidney disease.
The outcomes trial that made SGLT2 inhibitors standard care in CKD, with an SCRI investigator among its authors.
Authorship on the pivotal vadadustat program in dialysis and non-dialysis CKD.
A site for the trial behind the first FDA-approved treatment to slow kidney function decline in ADPKD.
A dedicated site, not a corner of the clinic.
1521 Anthony Road, in Augusta's medical district: a CLIA-certified laboratory, on-site pharmacy management, a private monitoring room for sponsor visits, and coordinators who do nothing but research.
Why the region's kidney research happens in Augusta.
Sponsors bring their nephrology protocols to the CSRA for four reasons, and every one of them is the practice.
The largest nephrology population in the CSRA
Seven offices, eight board-certified nephrologists, and physicians who direct area dialysis centers. The patient a protocol needs is already a chart here, not an advertisement.
The doctor running the study is the doctor running your care
Study visits happen alongside routine care, adverse events are seen by the physician who knows the baseline, and referring doctors hear back physician to physician.
One accountable team, CDA to closeout
A dedicated regulatory specialist, budget and contract support, ACRP-certified coordinators, a GCP-trained staff, and the sponsor's central IRB accepted.
A record sponsors can check
200+ studies for 18 sponsors over 25 years, from Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca to Bayer and Novo Nordisk.
Led by Dr. Matthew Diamond, DO, FASN, FACP
Every investigator is a practicing, board-certified nephrologist at Nephrology Associates: the same physicians our patients see in clinic, and the authors behind the evidence.
Dr. Matthew DiamondDO, FASN, FACP
Former Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and a SPRINT site investigator, published in the New England Journal of Medicine on intensive blood-pressure control and chronic kidney disease. A Fellow of both the American Society of Nephrology and the American College of Physicians, he directs every study SCRI runs.
Where our research is focused
Our investigators concentrate on the conditions that drive the greatest burden of kidney disease across the Southeast.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
IgA Nephropathy & Glomerulonephritis
Hypertension
Cardiovascular Disease
Anemia of CKD
Hyperparathyroidism & Hyperphosphatemia
Dialysis Access & Dialysis Care
Proteinuria
Iron Deficiency
Hyperlipidemia & Lipoprotein(a)
Lupus Nephritis
Obesity & Cardiorenal Outcomes
Immunology
Current studies, at a glance
Two studies are open to enrollment today, with more in follow-up. Eligibility is confirmed by our study team.
CKD & High Blood Pressure
Baxdrostat with dapagliflozin, evaluated for kidney outcomes and cardiovascular mortality in adults with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure.
IgA Nephropathy
Extended TARPEYO® treatment in adults with primary IgA nephropathy who have completed nine months of therapy.
Cardiorenal outcomes
Two of the largest outcomes trials in the field, in lipoprotein(a) and in obesity with heart and kidney disease, are enrolled and being followed here through 2029.
Care that looks forward
Joining a study is a personal decision, and an entirely voluntary one. For many of our patients, it means closer monitoring, more time with the care team, and a chance to help the next person with kidney disease.
Carefully selected investigational therapies, years before they reach general use.
Additional labs, visits, and study-team attention throughout your participation.
Study-related visits, tests, and the investigational therapy are provided at no cost.
Participation is voluntary, fully consented, and you may withdraw at any time.
The standard of care started as someone's trial.
Southeastern Clinical Research Institute is the dedicated trials arm of Nephrology Associates, PC. Our research program began more than 25 years ago as Kidney Care, under Dr. Hertel Patel, and was incorporated as an independent clinical research institute in 2005. We exist to bring rigorously studied, next-generation kidney therapies to the people of the CSRA, years before they reach general practice, without ever compromising the safety, dignity, or consent of the patients who make that progress possible.
Every study is IRB-governed, run by a Good Clinical Practice trained team, and overseen by the same board-certified nephrologists who care for our patients every day. Research here is not separate from care. It is an extension of it.
Dr. Matthew Diamond, DO, FASN, FACP · Medical Director, Southeastern Clinical Research Institute
Refer a patient, keep the loop closed.
Refer a patient for a research evaluation and you stay informed at every step. We confirm eligibility, manage all study-related care, and report back to you directly. Routine care continues in your office.
- OversightIRB-approved protocols, GCP-trained team
- DirectorDr. Matthew Diamond, DO, FASN, FACP · Medical Director
- CommunicationDirect physician-to-physician reporting
- ContinuityRoutine care continues with you