The American Heart Association will award its 2026 Clinical Research Prize to Dr. Katherine R. Tuttle, an internationally recognized clinical researcher whose work has fundamentally changed the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The award will be presented during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, held Nov. 6-9 in Chicago. The meeting is a premier global exchange of cardiovascular science and evidence-based clinical practice updates, as announced by NEWMEDIAWIRE.
Dr. Tuttle serves as executive director for research at Providence in Spokane, Washington, and professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. Her research focuses on diabetes, CKD, and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a condition that highlights the interconnected effects of kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Over more than three decades, her pioneering work has advanced therapies that reduce the risks of kidney failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, and premature death in people with and without diabetes.
She played a leading role in studies that established SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists as breakthrough therapies for CKD and CKM conditions. She also leads the CURE-CKD Registry, one of the nation's largest real-world databases of patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension, encompassing more than seven million health system patients across Providence and UCLA Health facilities in seven states. Most recently, she served on the writing committee for the 2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome.
“Dr. Tuttle has fundamentally changed the care of patients living with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic conditions,” said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2026-2027 volunteer president. “Her visionary clinical research has deepened our understanding of the connection between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, and helped advance an integrated approach to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health.”
The implications of Dr. Tuttle's recognition extend beyond her individual achievements. Her work has helped redefine the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease, accelerating the integration of kidney health into cardiovascular care. For the millions of people worldwide affected by CKD, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, her research offers hope for more effective, integrated treatment strategies. The award also underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex, interrelated health conditions.
Dr. Tuttle has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and served as principal investigator on numerous NIH-supported projects and clinical trials, including the landmark AWARD-7, FLOW, and REMODEL trials. Her leadership has shaped clinical practice and research priorities worldwide through roles with the American Society of Nephrology, National Institutes of Health, International Society of Nephrology, and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. She has been a longtime Heart Association volunteer, serving on multiple committees and as a Go Red for Women Ambassador.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association,” said Dr. Tuttle. “Throughout my career, I have focused on collaboration to advance clinical research and improve the lives of people living with cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic diseases.”
Additional multimedia is available on the right column of the release link. For more news at American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2026, follow the Association on X @HeartNews, #ScientificSessions26. Connect with the American Heart Association at heart.org, heart.org, and stroke.org.
