Can a new drug combo help kidney transplants last longer?

NCT ID NCT01729494

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Cincinnati Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether a belatacept-based immunosuppressive regimen, combined with either alemtuzumab or rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) and early steroid withdrawal, can reduce the risk of graft loss, death, or poor kidney function after a kidney transplant. The study compares these approaches to a standard tacrolimus-based regimen with rATG induction. Participants are adults receiving a kidney from a living or deceased donor. The goal is to find a safer and more effective way to prevent organ rejection.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: a combination of belatacept, alemtuzumab, rabbit antithymocyte globulin, and mycophenolate mofetil
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a safer, more effective immunosuppression strategy for kidney transplant recipients, reducing the risk of graft loss and improving kidney function.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 4 trial comparing multiple drug regimens, so results may not show clear superiority. The treatments carry risks of infection and other side effects from immunosuppression.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Contacts and locations

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Locations

California Pacific Medical Center

San Francisco, California, 94107, United States
Tampa General Hospital

Tampa, Florida, 33606, United States
The Christ Hospital

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States
University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States
University of Colorado Denver

Denver, Colorado, 80045, United States
University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States

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