Pig kidney transplant trial aims to free patients from dialysis
NCT ID NCT07696962
First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether a genetically modified pig kidney combined with thymus tissue can work as a transplant in 4 adults with end-stage kidney disease. The goal is to see if the organ can keep them off dialysis safely for at least 6 months. Participants must be on dialysis, eligible for a human kidney transplant, and have a low chance of getting one within a year.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- genetically modified pig kidney-thymus transplant
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a new source of transplantable organs for people with kidney failure, reducing the need for dialysis and human donor kidneys.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (4 people). The pig organ may be rejected, cause serious infections, or fail to work long-term. Lifelong immune-suppressing drugs are needed.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 4 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * ESRD receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for ≥6 months * Eligible for kidney transplantation per site criteria * \<50% likelihood of receiving a standard deceased-donor kidney transplant within 12 months * Blood type and immunologic compatibility with study transplant confirmed by testing * EBV seropositive * Up to date on recommended vaccinations for immunocompromised individuals * Willing to use protocol-required contraception * Able to provide informed consent and comply with lifelong follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Requirement for multi-organ transplantation * Living donor available who is ABO-incompatible * Kidney disease with high risk of post-transplant recurrence * Polycystic kidney disease without prior native nephrectomy * Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures * History of non-adherence to medical treatment * Identified as vulnerable by psychological assessment * Significant uncontrolled psychiatric illness * Inadequate social support or caregiver unavailable/unwilling * Current drug or alcohol misuse * Serious non-renal illness with life expectancy \<1 year * BMI \<16 or \>35 kg/m² * Known hypercoagulable disorder * Uncontrolled hypertension or hemodynamic instability at enrollment * Clinically significant cardiovascular disease, including poorly controlled coronary artery disease, reduced left ventricular function, recent myocardial infarction or cardiac intervention, or clinically significant arrhythmia requiring treatment * Serious liver disease or impaired liver function * Diabetes mellitus with poor glycemic control (HbA1c \>10%) * Active infection at time of transplantation * Positive serology for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV * Current, active, or untreated tuberculosis * Malignancy within 5 years prior to enrollment, excluding adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer * Current systemic immunosuppressive therapy (excluding permitted corticosteroids) * Participation in another interventional drug trial within 60 days prior to enrollment * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Known severe hypersensitivity to a required study medication with no acceptable alternative
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Study Site 1
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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Study Site 2
New York, New York, 10016, United States
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