RECONNEXT: Renal connection to microvascular disease and HFpEF, the next phase.
Welcome to the homepage of the Reconnext Consortium, an initiative that builds upon the success of the previous Reconnect Consortium.
The main hypothesis of the RECONNEXT consortium is:
Renal impairment and its systemic consequences adversely impact the coronary microvasculature, driving the onset and progression of HFpEF.
Renal impairment, even in early stages, causes metabolic and systemic derangements in circulating factors that introduce an activated systemic inflammatory state and microvascular dysfunction, which lead to cardiomyocyte stiffening, hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis via cross-talk between the microvascular and cardiomyocyte compartments. We will continue our systematic assessment of the circulating renal drivers of HFpEF and perform basic and translational studies to determine the underlying mechanisms and cause-effect relations, allowing identification and testing of unique targets for diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutic interventions. To learn more about Reconnext, please visit the ‘About Reconnext’ page.
What Organs Teach Us About Collaboration – Reconnext Featured in De Cardioloog
The RECONNEXT research consortium, which focuses on the causes of heart failure, is approaching its final phase. But the research leaders have no intention of stopping. “Research into heart failure is never finished. We are constantly making progress, but there is still much to discover.” Click here to read the full article (31-7-2025).
The GLADIATOR Trial by RECONNEXT: Exploring New Avenues in HFpEF Treatment
Heart failure affects one in four men and one in five women during their lifetime and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. While numerous therapies are available for heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), treatment options for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain limited. Due to its distinct pathophysiology, HFpEF likely requires a different therapeutic approach.
The RECONNEXT consortium, supported by CardioVasculair Onderzoek Nederland (CVON) and the Dutch Heart Foundation under the leadership of Prof. Marianne Verhaar and Prof. Dirk Duncker, recently completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluating the efficacy of Geranyl-Geranyl Acetone in patients with HFpEF. The study was led by Dr. Geert Voordes and Soufiane Nassiri under the supervision of Dr. Louis Handoko and Prof. Adriaan Voors.
GLADIATOR-HFpEF was a highly complex mechanistic trial that applied advanced techniques to study endothelial dysfunction and myocardial compliance. Despite its scientific and logistical complexity, the trial delivered outstanding data quality and completeness. Although the study did not demonstrate a clinical benefit of the investigational drug in HFpEF patients, it successfully proved that high-quality, randomized clinical trials of innovative cardiovascular therapies can be conducted efficiently and cost-effectively within national collaborative frameworks such as RECONNEXT.
The results of GLADIATOR-HFpEF underscore the urgency of continued research in HFpEF and highlight the potential of collaborative, budget-conscious initiatives to drive innovation in cardiovascular medicine.
Find the Statistical Analysis Plan for the study titled “A Phase II Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Trial Evaluating the Effects of GeranylGeranylAcetone in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (GLADIATOR)” here: GLADIATOR-Trial
Prof. dr. Marianne Verhaar, together with Prof. dr. Leonard van den Berg, has been appointed as clinical professors of UMC Utrecht
The Board of Directors of UMC Utrecht has appointed Marianne Verhaar and Leonard van den Berg as Clinical Professors. This is an honorary new role for clinically active professors with an exceptional track record. Along with this appointment comes a financial contribution, enabling them to dedicate more of their time to research. Prof. Dr. Marianne Verhaar (nephrologist) and Prof. Dr. Leonard van den Berg (neurologist) have, in addition to their clinical practices, an impressive and longstanding track record in internationally leading clinically relevant research, which aligns with the Connecting Worlds strategy of UMC Utrecht. Click here to read the full article on umcutrecht.nl.
Dr. Robin Vernooij has received a Kolff Grant from the Dutch Kidney Foundation and has been recognized with the ERA Eberhard Ritz Award for Young Investigators in Clinical Science, awarded by the European Renal Association (ERA) in 2025
Robin Vernooij, assistant professor at the Department of Nephrology and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care at the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), has received a Kolff+ grant from the Dutch Kidney Foundation to investigate the effectiveness of cardiovascular medications in patients with chronic kidney disease. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among people with kidney disease. Yet many commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications have not been adequately studied in this population. Robin aims to bridge this evidence gap. His research will analyse real-world health data, following patients over time to understand their care trajectories. By examining medication use, dosing patterns, and patient-reported values and preferences, he hopes to uncover which individuals treatment effects of cardiovascular treatments. Click here to read the full news article on nierstichting.nl.
In addition Robin Vernooij has been recognized with the ERA Eberhard Ritz Award for Young Investigators in Clinical Science, awarded by the European Renal Association (ERA) in 2025. His research is centered around evidence-based nephrology, combining insights from real-world data and clinical trials to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Robin is particularly interested in exploring the cardiorenal connection, aiming to better understand how personalised cardiovascular treatment, prognostic information, and the multifactorial interplay with other conditions can inform and improve care. With a passion for translating evidence into practice, Robin continues to work at the intersection of epidemiology, nephrology, and innovation in healthcare delivery.
A Proud Showcase: Student Dissertation from Reconnext Consortium
We are proud to present the thesis cover of Anne-Mar, who defended her research in October 2024.
