SGLT2 HYPE Kicks Off with Momentum: A New Chapter in Hypertension Research Begins
On March 25–26, 2025, the SGLT2 HYPE project officially launched with its Kick-Off Meeting held at the Biomedizinische Forschung (BMF) facilities of the project’s coordinating institution University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein (UKSH) in Lübeck, Germany. The event brought together an exceptional consortium of clinical researchers, medical institutions, and innovation partners from across Europe—united under a common vision: to explore SGLT2 inhibitors as a novel, evidence-based treatment for hypertension.
Coordinated by UKSH and funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement No. 101156555), the SGLT2 HYPE trial represents one of the most ambitious efforts to reimagine hypertension care using therapeutics that have already proven successful in treating diabetes and heart failure. This large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiative aims to generate robust clinical evidence and influence future European treatment guidelines, ultimately improving real-world patient outcomes.
Day 1: Setting the Stage with Vision and Purpose
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome by the Coordinator and Principal Investigator Prof. Ingo Eitel (UKSH), who also chaired the first session alongside the Coordinating Investigator Dr. Elias Rawish. The opening address was given by Professor Thomas Münte, Vice President of the University of Lübeck, who emphasized the strategic relevance of this project within both institutional and European health research landscapes.
Following the introductions, Dr. Rawish outlined the project’s objectives and envisioned impact. Prof. John Cleland (University of Glasgow) followed with a compelling keynote on the interplay between hypertension and heart failure—bridging the gap between mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies.
The afternoon session featured presentations from ARTTIC (PNO) Innovation on dissemination, communication (WP13, 18, 28, 33), and project management strategies (WP14, 19, 24, 29, 34) by Dr. Monika Maaß and Dr. Melanie Carevic-Neri, highlighting how structured coordination will drive project coherence and stakeholder engagement.
The day concluded with a city tour through Lübeck’s historic center and a networking dinner at Restaurant Miera—providing the perfect setting to forge stronger partnerships and foster informal dialogue between project collaborators.
Day 2: Deep Dive into Work Packages and Clinical Strategy
The second day featured an in-depth review of all work packages (WPs), with a focus on objectives, deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities. From setting up the clinical trial infrastructure to integrating patient-centered eHealth tools and biobanking, each WP leader shared insights on how their work would contribute to the larger goals of SGLT2-HYPE.
Key highlights included:
- WP1–2: Legal, ethical frameworks and trial database setup (UKSH), Dr. Elias Rawish and Dr. Roza Saraei
- WP3: Empowering patients through digital health (MUI), Prof. Sebastian Reinstadler
- WP4 + WP11: Biobank initiation and biomarker strategy (INSERM, UPORTO), Prof. Nicolas Girerd and Dr. Francisco Vasques-Nóvoa
- WP5 + WP8 + WP10: Statistical analysis plan, sex, socio-demographic analysis (IHF), Dr. Steffen Schneider
- WP6, 15, 20, 25, 30: Patient enrollment (UKSH), Dr. Elias Rawish
- WP7, 16, 21, 26, 31: Monitoring (UKSH, ForceXpert), Dr. Roza Saraei and Stéphanie Grojean
- WP9: Cost effectiveness and health-economic analysis (UZL), Dr. Alexander Kuhlmann and Dr. Maike Schnoor
- WP5–10: Statistical analysis, socio-demographic research, patient enrollment, monitoring, and health-economic evaluations (IHF, ForceXpert, UZL)
- WP12–17: Stakeholder engagement strategies (FIS-FJD), Prof. Borja Ibáñez
Each presentation fostered open discussion and reinforced the collaborative spirit underpinning the trial.
Looking Ahead: Innovation Driven by Collaboration
The energy and clarity displayed at the Kick-Off Meeting reflect a powerful commitment from all partners. The SGLT2 HYPE consortium is poised not only to deliver a high-impact clinical trial but also to shape the future of cardiovascular treatment in Europe. By systematically exploring the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in managing hypertension, this project has the potential to redefine how we prevent and treat one of the world’s leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity.
We are proud to be part of this journey and we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for future updates as we drive innovation in hypertension care through science, collaboration, and dedication.